“I hope everyone can give generously to an organisation that supports grassroots inclusive sport every day of the year!” – Clare Balding.

Broadcaster, journalist and author Clare Balding will make the BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Access Sport to coincide with the start of the Paralympics.

Airing on Sunday 1 September, this three-minute radio appeal highlights our transformational impact on an autistic young person named Grace.

Obsessed with basketball, Grace couldn’t find a club that catered to her needs. We upskilled Grace’s mum, Emma, to start an inclusive basketball club and now hundreds of disabled young people can play the sport they love!

The appeal airs during the first week of the Paralympics in Paris - 12 days of elite sport that will see over 4000 athletes from around the world competing.

We are using this moment to raise awareness that there are still barriers for disabled young people when trying to play sport or get active. 

We have worked with Clare Balding on this appeal because of her commitment to inclusivity in sport. The appeal features a heartfelt admission from Clare on the influential role sport has played in her life.

Clare Balding said:

“Access Sport is a wonderful charity that make a real impact on disabled and disadvantaged young lives across the country. Their mission is very close to my heart, so it was an absolute pleasure to support their BBC Radio 4 appeal.”

“Emma and Grace’s story really reflects the life-changing difference Access Sport’s team has on individuals.”

“The appeal airs during the Paralympics, a time when the world focuses on disability sport, so I hope everyone can give generously to an organisation that supports grassroots inclusive sport every day of the year!”

Olivia Breen, Access Sport Ambassador competing in the Paralympics this year , said:

“Without Access Sport’s support, disabled young people would be missing out on all the benefits of sport. I look forward to using my events in Paris to platform Access Sport's amazing work. I encourage everyone to give generously.”

Too many young people missing out on the transformational impact of community sport. By supporting the appeal you are empowering disabled young people to get active and experience the life-changing benefits of community sport.

Helen Rowbotham, Access Sport Chief Executive, said:

“The Paralympics is a moment of celebration for disability sport. We want to use this positivity to improve inclusive grassroots sport for disabled young people. There is a significant gap in participation between disabled young people and their non-disabled peers. With your donations, we can fill this gap and create inclusive programmes that previously didn’t exist!”

All donations will go towards creating more inclusive activities that support disabled young people to get active.

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Listen to BBC Radio 4 to hear Access Sport’s appeal at the following times:

• 1 September - 07:53 am and 9:26 pm
• 5 September – 3:27 pm 

You can also hear the appeal at any time after the first broadcast on BBC Sounds.

Find out more about BBC Radio 4’s Appeal here: