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Sussex Disability Sports Network

Learn how the Sussex Disability Sports Network supports the development of disability sport and inclusive physical activity across Sussex.

Aims of the network

The aim of the network is to support the development & provision of disability sport and inclusive physical activity across Sussex.

You can join the network and receive updates by clicking the Sussex Disability Sports Network (SDSN) as an interest on our newsletter subscription page. When you subscribe you will also receive the Active Sussex newsletter which provides information around disability and inclusive provision in sport and physical activity.

Sign up here

The network is made up of a range of partners all championing this area of work, with a number of key individuals helping to lead the direction and delivery of network events. If you are interested in supporting the network, be it leading a forum discussion or being part of the conference working group, then please contact: Gemma Finlay-Gray at gfinlay-gray@activesussex.org

Upcoming events

06 June 2023, 11.00am – SDSN virtual forum: Safeguarding Adults

Join us at the next virtual forum which will focus on Safeguarding Adults, where we will be joined by Nicola Dean from the Ann Craft Trust.

These forums provide an informal and reflective space to meet other colleagues, hear about opportunities and discuss key topics.

Register here

Previous online events

Links to recordings (where provided) and any additional resources can be found below for each virtual forum.

Previous face to face events

Details including presentations from face to face events between 2015 and 2019 can be found by scrolling to the bottom of this page.

22 June 2022 – Sussex Inclusive Sport & Physical Activity Conference

The event hosted by the Sussex Disability Sports Network and supported by Active Sussex and Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP, brought together a range of partners and key personnel across Sussex to openly and honestly discuss supporting more disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity.

The day included a keynote Q&A with Fabienne Andre and three insightful sessions including guest speakers/panelists sharing their own experiences, observations and knowledge. Presentations and resources for these sessions can be found below (please contact for alternative versions).

Previous Face to Face Events

10 October 2019 at the AMEX Community Stadium. The event focused on Mental Health with a presentation from Rethink Mental Illness, as well as discussions around Talent Identification & Development within Para-sport, Increasing Inclusivity and Provision and following the April event the impact of working in collaboration. SDSN Presentations – October 2019.

3 April 2019 at the Sussex County Cricket Ground, Hove. The focus of this event was on Sports collaboration within Sussex, with best practice examples and wider systems approach. SDSN Presentation – April 2019 (pdf). Press release: PR: Sussex Disability Sports Network – 04/2019.     Video highlights.

25 September 2018 at Sussex County Cricket Ground, Hove. Information around Open Data as well as focus on females iin disability sport.  SDSN Presentation – September 2018 (pdf). Press release: PR: Sussex Disablity Sports Network event 09/2018

29 November 2017 at the AMEX Community Stadium – The event hear from Rob Groves Handcyclist, AITC & Sussex FA Pledge, EFDS (now Activity Alliance) Sharing Impact and networking. SDSN Presentation – Nov 2017 (pdf).

16 March 2017 at University of Brighton – This event focused on a ‘speed dating’ partner engagement so there is no presentation.

05 July 2016 at University of Brighton – The event titled ‘Sporting Future Towards an Active Nation’ focus on the new strategies from DCMS and Sport England. Unpicking what they mean for disability sport. Colleagues from Disability Rights UK and Wheelpower also presented. SDSN Presentations – July 2016(pdf).

12 November 2015 at Withdean Leisure Complex – This event welcomed a talk from GB Para Table Tennis Player & Coach Shaun Newcomb, Engagement Advisor at EFDS (now Activity Alliance), updates and action planning! SDSN Presentation – Nov 2015 (pdf)

Gemma Finlay-Gray

Strategic Relationship Manager

Gemma is responsible for managing key strategic stakeholder relations to tackle physical inactivity across Sussex, with a focus on increasing levels of physical activity for people with a disability, those from lower socio-economic groups, and women and girls. She oversees the Sussex Disability Sports Network, is the Lead Adult Safeguarding Officer, Deputy CYP Safeguarding Officer, Equalities lead and acts as the Active Partnership’s Human Resources lead.