Sport is for all but research shows an entirely different picture. Statistics show that inequality in sport is an issue across the north east that needs to be on the agenda with 60% of women not being physically active, and a staggering 79% of people with a limiting disability and 63% of people belonging to lower socio-economic groups also not taking part in sport. This is coupled with the fact that over half of people belonging to black and ethnic minority groups do not participate in any form of physical exercise.

Equality in sport needs addressing across the whole region. This is why the Regional Equality in Sport Conference is taking place on Wednesday 30 April and it has the support of leading names in sport including great local Paralympian Stephen Miller and Nike, who’s dance diva Victoria Igbokwe will be alongside Stephen on the day to promote and inspire equality at all levels.

Hosted by the Regional Sport Equity Network, the conference, taking place at Durham County Cricket Club, will consist of workshops that address issues surrounding disability inclusion within sports clubs and leisure services. It will specifically look to engage young women and black and ethnic minority populations in sport and good practice, encouraging disadvantaged communities to get active.

Examples of inequality can be drawn from all over the region - in Tyne and Wear 80 per cent of people with limiting disabilities and in Northumberland 60 per cent of women are not taking part in active recreation. But the shocking picture doesn’t stop there. To the south of the region over 60 per cent of people living in Tees Valley who are long term unemployed and in County Durham over half of black and ethnic minority groups are not taking part in active recreation

Judith Rasmussen, regional director with Sport England North East, said: “We truly believe now is the time to take action and it is up to us to turn these shocking and, quite frankly, unacceptable statistics around.

“We are really excited about Wednesday’s event. The Regional Sports Equity Network have created a hard hitting agenda to really get people to stand up, take notice and spur into action. We are very grateful to Stephen Miller and Victoria Igbokwe for helping us with this call to action on a subject they are both passionate about.

“Making sport available to all depends on your willingness to get involved and if you think less talk, more action, the time is now to do something about it.”

The Regional Sport Equity Network comprises Sport England North East, the English Federation of Disability Sport – North East, Northumberland Sport, Tees Valley Sport, Tyne and Wear Sport, Durham Sport and Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation.