Guided tour

For visitors who wish to be navigated around the space, please click on the video below for the Dwarf Sports Association UK gallery guided tour.

For screen reader users to follow is the wall panel text and audio descriptions for the 3D models or you can download the text as a Microsoft Word document.

Empowering people through sport

This gallery celebrates the work of the charity Dwarf Sports Association UK (DSAuk), a National Disability Sports Organisation. DSAuk’s mission is to make regular sporting opportunities accessible and enjoyable to anyone with dwarfism in the United Kingdom. The exhibition shares the organisation’s development and activities, and showcases sports and notable individuals, including pioneers and athletes.

The organisation was founded in 1993 as the Dwarf Athletics Association and they rebranded in 2011 to the Dwarf Sports Association. They have hosted annual national games, the World Dwarf Games, and a host of regional sports and social events. DSAuk has always championed elite athletes and recreational players alike, providing sporting opportunities at all levels.

This gallery features stories and images shared by DSAuk staff, members, and supporters. There are also three 3D scanned objects from DSAuk, accompanied by inclusive audio descriptions co-created by a diverse group of participants.

Defining dwarfism

Dwarfism encapsulates around 200 different conditions related to short stature (commonly defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (1.47 metres) or less, resulting from a medical or genetic condition). There are two main categories of dwarfism:

• Proportionate: characterised by the body being in proportion but shortened
• Disproportionate: characterised by an average-sized torso with shorter arms or legs, or a shortened trunk with longer limbs.

People with dwarfism may experience joint or skeletal problems, which can be improved with regular exercise. Of course, no two people are the same, and the DSAuk provides a space for all people with dwarfism to take part and compete.

Pioneers

U.S.A was the first country to establish a dwarf sports association and played host to the first World Dwarf Games. In 1993, when Arthur Dean OBE attended these Games in Chicago with his daughter Nicola, he and other British dwarf athletes were inspired to set up their own organisation in the UK. The Dean family, including DSAuk ambassador Penny Dean OBE, Arthur’s wife, have remained deeply involved with the organisation. Penny expressed the goal of the organisation:

We're here to make sure [someone] who's the only dwarf person born in a tall family, doesn't feel alone and isolated throughout [their] life. [They know] there are other people like [themselves] there.

April Barrett MBE took over leadership of the organisation in 1999 until 2004. She has been a fierce campaigner for the inclusion of disabled people in sport and wider society. She served as the chair of the Birmingham Inclusive Sports Forum and as a board member with Activity Alliance. Her work has helped DSAuk become a National Disability Sports Organisation and have wider recognition within the world of disability sport. She said:

Sport is the tool we use to get on with life. It shows the world we have the same brain as anyone else. We have the same drive to take part, win, and live successful lives. We want to play our part in society.

Anniversaries

Dwarf Athletics Association UK celebrated their 10^th anniversary in 2003, commemorated by the coin featured in the gallery. In 2010, the organisation rebranded to Dwarf Sports Association UK, to better reflect the variety of sports on offer to members.

Arthur the Lion is the DSAuk mascot. Named after Arthur Dean OBE, the mascot was introduced in 2018 as part of their 25th anniversary. Arthur the Lion can often be seen on social media, accompanying members to events and competitions. 

Co-created audio description of Arthur the Lion mascot

This is a miniature lion cuddly toy, called Arthur. Arthur has sandy fur and a light brown mane. His brown fur nose is triangular, and there are black spots for whiskers. He has a tail made of folded fabric with a tuft of brown fur on the end. Arthur is soft and made of cotton. His legs are quite floppy and dangle when held. He cannot stand by himself but can sit upright. He has outstretched arms that feel like he wants to give you a hug. He is very tactile and is appealing to hold and squeeze.  

Reflection by Penny Dean OBE of the Dwarf Athletics Association UK 2003 medal 

When we set up the charity in 1993, did we ever believe that we would be gifting our members a 10-year anniversary medal? Against all odds, we started to make changes of people’s perceptions as to who we were and what we were achieving. We got there! New members were benefiting, and lives were being changed because of the passion that we all carried. We knew that what we started must go on. We proved there was a need for this charity to keep going.

 
Impact

DSAuk’s events give people a chance to try out sports, build community, and challenge negative perceptions of life with dwarfism that may exist in wider society.

This function has been vital for average height families of children with dwarfism. Angela and Sohrab Ghavami have been involved in the DSAuk for over 20 years, bringing their son Nima to compete from an early age. They reflected on the impact of the DSAuk on their family.

(Angela) …Taking a picture of [Nima] with the Union Jack behind him, and so many medals around his neck … knowing he was representing his country and doing so well. [I remember] how proud I felt of him there. And the fact this organisation allowed that to happen.

(Sohrab) …the sense of belonging to a family, it's really important. … Everybody is relaxed. … This is a safe environment. … It allows them to grow, [and] to gain that confidence. … It's absolutely priceless.

National Dwarf Games

The annual National Games in Birmingham is the largest of DSAuk’s sports and community events, open to athletes of all ages. Competitors take part in athletics, powerlifting, swimming, basketball, hockey and other sports.

At the event athletes can qualify for European and World Games, and the Paralympics.

The videos were recorded at the 2024 National Games.

Social and regional activities

DSAuk operates throughout the UK. Regional activities enable new members to discover sporting opportunities, and create lifelong friendships. These events become important social spaces for people to meet others with shared life experiences.

In 2022 Katie Rilett-Young became DSAuk’s North-West activity co-ordinator. She first attended the National Games aged 10 with her family, and the DSAuk has been an important part of her competitive and social life since. Speaking about her role, she said:

It means a lot to me, giving back to the younger generation coming through. … I just love to see them enjoy themselves and be with their friends. [When I was] growing up I only [saw] my DSA friends once or twice a year. … It's all worth it when you see them having a laugh and smile on their faces. … I love it.

 
World Dwarf Games

Held every four years since 1993, the World Dwarf Games are the largest event for dwarf athletes across the globe, and even serve as a pathway to the Paralympics.

The 2023 Games were held in Cologne, Germany, and featured 500 athletes from 25 countries. Katie Rilett-Young was one of these competitors, taking part in shot put, javelin, basketball and football. She won a bronze medal in the women’s football event.

2023 World Dwarf Games medal

Co-created audio description

This is a silver medal, attached to a soft, silky ribbon. It is a brushed metal, with the effect of wood grain on the front. There is a raised symbol in the middle of the contoured medal which we cannot completely identify, but appears to be the logo of the event. It is an abstract motif of dots and shapes that implies movement.

Object reflection by Katie Rilett-Young

Throughout the week of the Games we worked very hard, so winning that medal was a great success. Even though I was very happy with my bronze medal, it has motivated me to win gold at the next Games!

I felt very honoured to represent my country and to see our DSAuk North West members take part at the World Games - as their region coordinator it was great to see them do well and have fun!

Paralympic Profile: Krysten Coombs PLY

Krysten Coombs PLY is a British para-badminton player, who has been part of the DSAuk since he was nine years old.

Krysten described being picked for the Tokyo 2020 team:

I found out quite late… it was definitely a roller coaster… The day I found out I burst into tears, I think, because [badminton] was such a big part of my life. It’s dream come true to say you're a Paralympian.

He won bronze at Tokyo 2020 and silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, both in the men’s singles category. Krysten and teammates Jack Shephard and Rachel Choong PLY are just some of the many Paralympians to start their sporting career with DSAuk! 

Paralympic Profile: Mark Swan

Mark Swan is a British powerlifter, starting his career at DSAuk events and going on to represent Great Britain at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. In an interview with the BBC after the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, he said: 

I want to show what we are capable of as short-stature athletes […] Yes, I have smaller arms and I don't need to press as far, but what I say to anyone is 'you put the same weight on as I do and try to press as far as I do' and they've tried and they can't.

Other Paralympic powerlifters from DSAuk include Olivia Broome PLY, who won bronze in the 50kg powerlifting at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Zoe Newson has won three Paralympic medals, including a silver in the 45kg at Paris 2024. Newson retired from the sport in 2025. 

Cycling

Cycling is a healthy, non-impact activity with lots of social opportunities. DSAuk organise cycling events to encourage uptake, with access to appropriate technology being a key concern.

In 2022, DSAuk partnered with Shropshire-based manufacturer Islabikes to create specific bicycles that were safe and comfortable for people with dwarfism. Ambassador Steve Scott worked with Islabikes on this project.

Paralympic Profile: Ellie Simmonds

Swimming is often recommended to people with dwarfism for removing pressure on joints, developing muscle strength, and improving co-ordination. It is a popular activity and sport within DSAuk.

Paralympic swimmers whose sporting journey began with DSAuk include swimmer Ellie Simmonds. Ellie is one of the most successful British Paralympic swimmers, winning five gold, one silver, and two bronze medals across the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Paralympic Games. Her success at London 2012 has inspired many to take up the sport and aim for the Paralympics. She is now an ambassador for DSAuk.

DSAuk hosts an annual national swimming gala, where the Margaret Scott memorial award is given to a swimmer who comes closest to Ellie Simmonds’s under 14 25m freestyle time.

Margaret Scott swimming trophy

Margaret Scott was the mother of DSA ambassador and previous chair Steve Scott. Steve’s father commissioned the trophy in her memory. It was based on Steve’s son Callum, who was a keen swimmer.

Bruce Dee won the award in 2017 and 2018 as a teenager. He has since continued swimming, making his international debut at the 2024 European Para Swimming Championships in Madeira.

Margaret Scott swimming trophy

Co-created audio description

This item is a metal sculpture on a wooden plinth. It is a large piece, measuring 40cm wide, 25cm deep and 25cm tall.  It depicts the head and shoulders of a swimmer mid-stroke, as if emerging from the water. The trophy is awarded every year at the National Games to the swimmer who gets closest to Ellie Simmonds’s record time in the under 14 25-metre freestyle event. We imagine competitors would be excited to win this award, although it might be difficult to display at home due to its size!

Object reflection by Bruce Dee

I first swam at a DSA event when I was six, completing a width with a woggle (flotation device) while my mum cheered me on from the other side. From then, swimming quickly became my main focus. At eleven, I won the Margaret Scott trophy for the first time. I was fortunate to win it twice, and having it presented by Ellie herself was an incredible honour. That experience inspired me to believe I could achieve similar success one day and reach my dream of competing at the Paralympics.

The next generation

A significant part of DSAuk’s legacy is inspiring the next generation of young people with dwarfism. The organisation was founded to provide pathways to sport and support networks that did not exist before.

In 2024, DSAuk sent 14 athletes to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, competing for medals and representing the dwarfism community on a global platform. The visibility of athletes provides powerful role models for the next generation.

Thank you

This work has only been possible through collaboration, and we thank the following individuals and organisations: 

• Dwarf Sports Association UK for supporting this project and providing access to their collection
• Penny Dean OBE, Katie Rilett-Young, and Bruce Dee for providing reflections on the gallery objects
• Arthur Dean OBE, Steve Scott, April Barrett MBE, Angela and Sohrab Ghavami, and Krysten Coombs PLY for supporting research for the gallery
• Museum trainees Simon for object audio descriptions and audio recording, Ben for object photogrammetry, and Thomas for image audio description and recording
• Work placement student Liam for writing audio descriptions
• DSAuk staff Tim Shepard, Tom Mills, Mike Pope, Katie Moss, and Hailey Davidson for audio recordings and research
• NPHT staff and volunteer David Reynolds for audio recordings
• NPHT trustees Ian Jenkins, Sue Wolstenholme and volunteer Vicky Auton for proofreading
  
  

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