Inclusive Sport
An approach to sport designed so that disabled and non-disabled people can take part together or side by side.
Definition
Inclusive sport describes designing and delivering activities so that people of different abilities, including disabled and non-disabled participants, can play together, in adapted formats, or alongside one another with equal value. It focuses on removing barriers, whether physical, social, or organisational, through flexible rules, adapted equipment, and welcoming coaching.
A common framework distinguishes options such as open activity, modified activity, parallel activity, and disability-specific activity, letting organisers choose the model that best fits the group. The goal is meaningful participation and choice rather than a single fixed method, so that everyone can take part in a way that is challenging and rewarding for them.
Where you’ll hear “inclusive sport”
Sports that use this term:
Fitness
Strength and general fitness training — the foundation that supports every other sport.
Basketball
A fast, dynamic team sport of running, jumping and quick decisions on court.
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Swimming
A full-body, low-impact endurance sport suitable for almost every age and ability.
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Adaptive sports
- Inclusive sportsSport designed or delivered so that disabled and non-disabled people can play together, side by side, in the same activity.
- Inclusive facilitiesSports venues designed or adapted so that disabled and non-disabled people can arrive, take part and feel welcome on equal terms.
- Disability and sportAn overview of how disabled people take part in sport — for health, enjoyment, community and competition — and the ideas that support inclusion.
- Accessibility in sportHow sport removes barriers — physical, sensory, social and informational — so that disabled people can take part on equal terms.
- Adaptive sportsSport adjusted in its equipment, rules or format so that people with disabilities can take part, compete and enjoy it.
People
- FamiliesHow families can be active together with inclusive, all-ages sports that make movement social and fun.
- CouplesHow sport can fit two people doing it together — shared activity that doubles as time together, mutual motivation and a common goal.
- Busy professionalsHow time-efficient sport can fit a packed schedule to protect fitness, energy and stress relief.
- Complete beginnersHow to start sport from scratch with accessible, low-pressure activities and a gentle, gradual approach.
- ChildrenHow sport can fit into a child’s life through play, variety and supported, age-appropriate movement.
Goals
- Family activitiesFind sports and games that people of different ages can enjoy together, with something for everyone.
- Sports for womenInclusive sports and activities that suit women at any age or fitness level.
- TeamworkDevelop cooperation, communication and trust by playing sports that rely on working together.
- Improve cardiovascular healthRegular activity is widely linked with supporting heart and circulatory health as part of a balanced routine.
- Improve fitnessBuild well-rounded fitness — stamina, strength and more — through regular, varied activity you can keep up.
Physical qualities
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- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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