INTERNATIONAL MIXED ABILITY SPORTS CIC

International Mixed Ability Sports (IMAS) is a not-for-profit organisation promoting social inclusion through sport, education and practical participation. IMAS has created and promotes the 'Mixed Ability Model' whereby people with and without disabilities, or facing barriers to participation, play together in mainstream community clubs, as equal members, without being separated, classified, or divided in tiers. Mixed Ability creates a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental environment where everyone can be included, regardless of their ability, age, gender, background, faith, experience or sexual orientation. IMAS also works with disabled participants to co-produce and co-deliver educational resources to train coaches, clubs and National Governing bodies to the Mixed Ability Model, enabling people who were previously excluded to become ambassadors and peer-educators. IMAS' vision is to radically change the way we think of, join in and enjoy sport, leading to a fairer and more equal society. Although we are based in Bradford, IMAS has supported several organisations and National Governing Bodies in their inclusive journey. We are partners of England Rugby, England Boxing, British Rowing and have ongoing activities in Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Argentina, Ecuador and Canada. We predominantly work with adults/young adults with learning disabilities and autism, but we Mixed Ability has become increasingly popular amongst people facing mental health issues, barriers to a healthy lifestyle, experiencing exclusion or social isolation. We favour strong partnership at a local, national and international level, in order for our work to impact the individual, community and societal level, shifting perceptions around people's ability, enabling participants to make decisions for themselves, supporting independence and equity, and enacting international framework such as the UNCRPD (2006). IMAS' work has been supported by Sport England, the European Commission (EACES and Erasmus+), Comic Relief, the Workers Educational Association, several sports NGBs, the UNESCO Chair of the University of Tralee, the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Leeds, INICO at the University of Salamanca, Down Espana, Mencap, the Activity Alliance and hundreds of other community clubs and sports NGBs.