The 2014 LPF Weeks of Action kick off on Saturday with celebratory initiatives taking place across the country during the two week campaign period from 15th to 30th March.
The LPF Weeks of Action represent a real opportunity for clubs, Disabled Supporter Associations (DSAs) and fans groups to highlight the positive work that they do to welcome their disabled fans. Level Playing Field invites you to get involved and to support our work.
On behalf of us all at Level Playing Field the charity's President David Bernstein, CBE is pleased to introduce this years campaign.
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‘As President of Level Playing Field, I am delighted to support this year’s Weeks of Action campaign. We all have a responsibility to ensure that sport is truly inclusive and that naturally includes the many disabled spectators who are sports fans. I wish every success to everyone involved with this year’s events.'
We have also received statements of support from across the sporting world including:
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, DBE, 11-time Paralympic Games gold medallist and Cross Bench Peer of the House of Lords: 'I am pleased to offer my full support to the Level Playing Field Weeks of Action once again this year. Many disabled people already enjoy sports as both participants and spectators and we must ensure that our venues are accessible and welcoming to all so that we can encourage a wider involvement in all aspects of sports in the future. Wishing LPF and its members another successful campaign.'
Danny Wallace – LPF Ambassador and ex-player Manchester United, Southampton and England: 'I am proud to be an Ambassador of Level Playing Field and since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 18 years ago, I've discovered first-hand how difficult access can be. Disabled supporters should have equal rights to everything at a match and in choosing to support their team alongside their own fans. Here’s to another successful campaign.'
June Wratten, LPF Ambassador and head of LPF Awards: 'I would like to congratulate the LPF for creating the Weeks of Action initiative, and all the clubs that participate in this very well supported annual event. I cannot emphasise how important it is for clubs at all levels to embrace all it's supporters; irrespective of their ability.
It was only because of the diligent & hard work done by the LPF; advising & encouraging clubs on how to provide good access, facilities & services that made visits to many stadiums viable for my son Joseph. On a Saturday afternoon he could be with his fellow supporters for 90 mins and feel the same as everyone else. That is how it should be. In his memory, I hope that one day, as a result of the efforts being afforded during the coming weeks, everyone will have the same opportunity.
Good luck to everyone taking part in the Weeks of Action. Whatever your club is doing to improve it's facilities for disabled supporters like Joseph, I'd like to say 'Thank you, it will be greatly appreciated.'
For more statements of support please visit the LPF website here.
As we go to press governing bodies, clubs and groups are still telling us about their promotional events and activities during the LPF Weeks of Action. We will keep you updated on the activities as they unfold in the next two weeks, for more information click here.
It's not too late to get involved for insipiration on activities click here.
Please do tell us what you are planning on 01244 893584 or email info@levelplayingfield.org.uk.