Outline
British Shooting commissioned us to provide an evidence base to explore the wider benefits to an individual that selection onto and participation in Paralympic Talent pathways, programmes and initiatives can have. The findings will contribute towards the shaping of British Shootings plans and Sport England funding submissions for 2021-2025.
Approach
Our initial approach involved a mixed method of online surveys, face to face semi structured interviews and focus groups, speaking to athletes, medical staff and coaches. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the revised method focused on:
- An online survey - distributed to athletes within the pathway and disabled participants and disability hub clubs
- Semi structured virtual interviews - speaking individually to around half of the athletes within the pathway as well as support staff at British Shooting.
We produced 13 individual athlete case studies detailing their stories on what life was like before joining the pathway, and how their life has been impacted since. The key themes from these individual case studies were written into a final findings report along with analysis of the online survey including comparisons to general population data, and further observations from British Shooting support staff.
Outcome
British Shooting will now use this evidence to shape their plans and Sport England funding submissions for 2021-2025.