Uni’s study into covid impact on parasport
Paisley academics are leading a groundbreaking study into how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted participation in disability sport.
Professors David McGillivray and Gayle McPherson, from the University of the West of Scotland, are leading the Scottish arm of the international research with the Project Echo initiative.
Initially launched to look at the long-term effect of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games on community participation, the remit of the project has been extended to look at the impact of Covid-19 on para and disability sports, as well as physical activity more generally.
The initiative seeks to gain the views and experiences from all those involved, from elite athletes to those who participate at a grassroots level and those who do not take part at all.
Gayle McPherson, professor in events and cultural policy, said: “Early work during the pandemic with athletes and recreational users has revealed that people with a disability have been more isolated, lonely and have participated less in physical activity due to Covid-19.
“They are also at a greater risk of mental and physical illness, meaning this next phase of the research is incredibly important.”
As part of Project Echo, an innovative online platform has been created to gather accounts from people who participate in disabled sports, and those who do not.
David McGillivray, professor in events and digital cultures at UWS, added: “Even before the pandemic, we knew that the barriers to access for parasport could be, unfortunately, significant.
“Equipment can be expensive, accessible transport can be limited and facilities often do not exist which allow people to participate.
“The pandemic undoubtedly presents new challenges, and it’s important that these are identified.”
The research has won the backing of elite athletes, such as Lewis McConnell and paraswimmer Erin Swann.
She said: “It is vital that more is done to improve access to parasport, and this project is an important step forward as we look to do that.
“I’m delighted to be part of this project, and look forward to connecting with and hearing from others.”
The Observatory for Sport in Scotland, the Scottish think tank on sport policy, is also backing the platform, and is working in conjunction with Project Echo, sportscotland and Scottish Disability Sport to conduct a wider programme of research.
This will examine sport participation in people with a disability.
Interested individuals can join the Project Echo research forum for free, and add their voice to a range of discussion topics.
To find out more about Project Echo, visit: https://theechoproject. org/