Disabled adults are twice as likely to be inactive compared to non-disabled adults. In an exclusive interview with Enable, Adele Roberts and Richard Whitehead MBE sit down with Kate Stevenson to discuss the changes needed to make sport more accessible for all
Inclusivity. It’s often used as a buzzword, so organisations can ensure they’re doing the bare minimum, but rarely more. However, true inclusivity goes beyond ticking boxes. It requires a commitment to understanding our diverse perspectives. No one should feel marginalised, especially in something as unifying as sport. Yet unfortunately, Adele Roberts and Richard Whitehead MBE know this feeling all too well. Via their documentary Dare to Defy, they’re taking a stand in a bid to make sport spaces more welcoming for everyone. Together, they’re challenging stereotypes and exploring the barriers faced by underrepresented communities.
PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
Throughout his athletic career, Richard, a decorated marathon runner, has faced his fair share of discrimination. At the London 2012 Paralympics, he was unable to take part in the marathon as there was no category for leg amputees. He was refused permission by the IPC to compete against upper-body amputees, instead turning to sprinting so he could be involved. While Richard won the gold medal in the 200m T42 event – and set I a world record while he was at it – his story reflects the difficulties faced by other disabled people. “Sport should represent everyone,” he asserts. “It’s not just about elite performance; it’s about creating opportunities at all levels, especially at grassroots where people first experience sport.” And Richard’s not just talking the talk, he’s walking the walk himself. Through The Richard Whitehead Foundation, via a series of community projects, he’s breaking down barriers to help people access sport and change what they think is possible. Like he says: “Seeing is believing.”
NO LIMITS
Like Richard, Adele is using her platform to champion diversity in sports. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a bowel cancer survivor, she’s always understood the importance of visibility in the media. She was the first person to feature on the cover of Women’s Health with a visible stoma bag (hers is called Audrey), and the fastest female to complete a marathon with an ileostomy. “I feel privileged to be part of the invisible disability community,” adds Adele. “It’s really helped me see the world with a new perspective, especially when it comes to staying active.” Richard and Adele
Silence has never sat well with Adele, and she’s now using her voice to support other marginalised groups through the Amazon Prime series with Richard. “It’s been such an eye-opening journey for me,” she reveals, noting that her own presence in sport has often challenged stereotypes. “Inclusivity isn’t just about being visible. It’s about making sure everyone, regardless of their identity, feels welcomed and supported. I’m proud to be working with Nissan to help make that happen.”
STARTING STRONG
Both Richard and Adele emphasise the importance of grassroots initiatives. Adele, who has faced challenges as a gay woman in sport, believes inclusion starts at a foundational level. “Grassroots sports are the entry point for so many,” she points out. “If we can make those spaces more welcoming, it sets the tone for inclusivity throughout the sporting world.” “We need to educate leaders, coaches, and players about diversity and inclusion, so it becomes a natural part of sporting culture,” agrees Richard. “There are so many barriers for disabled people – even getting out the door and into sports facilities can be an obstacle. We need to do better.”
THE DISTANCE
To achieve the truly inclusive sports environment Richard envisions, he believes change must start at the top. This means putting disabled athletes in decision-making roles: “People with lived experiences should be shaping the policies and structures that affect them,” he argues. Meanwhile, Adele wants to see the integration between disability and sport become standard. “It’s not just about having policies in place,” she explains. “It’s about changing attitudes and ensuring that inclusivity is practised, not just preached.” “And holding people to account when they aren’t inclusive,” agrees Richard.
FINISH LINE
Looking forward, Richard and Adele are optimistic about the potential for change. The reality is that threequarters of the disabled community want to be more active, but systemic barriers prevent them from doing so. The Nissan documentary is proof that, when disabled people are treated equally in sport, they’re able to unlock their full potential. It can’t stop here though, as Richard says: “We need to ensure the progress we make today lasts for future generations.” Instead, he and Adele encourage you to defy the stereotypes you face when trying to play sport. It will require a “collective effort,” but you owe it to yourself to challenge the status quo – everyone deserves to feel welcome and wanted. As Adele puts it: “Sport should be a place where everyone can thrive. When we include everyone, we all win.”