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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 Past Sussex Disability Sports Network updates

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

Thursday, December 7, 10.00-11.30am – Mencap Sport and partner networking (Virtual forum)

A member of the Mencap Sport National Programme team will be joining us to find out how they can work with partners to better support people with a learning disability take part in sport and physical activity.

After the Mencap partner conversations, there will be time for partners to update on their own areas of work, any challenges they would like to share/ask with the group for support with and highlight plans for 2024.

Book your place

Previous events

Links to recordings (where provided) and any additional resources can be found below, this includes recordings and resources from the face to face Sussex Inclusive Sport & Physical Activity Conference in June 2022.

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

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.

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