The Level Playing Field 2013 Weeks of Action starts today for two weeks.
The Weeks of Action represent a real opportunity for clubs to show what they have achieved for their disabled supporters, and the wider local disabled community. There is a lot of positive work going on around the sports world and we feel that clubs should use the Weeks of Action to demonstrate what they have been doing for their disabled supporters. It is also an opportunity for clubs to remind their supporters that they will not tolerate any form of discrimination including disability abuse on the terraces or in the stands and to highlight disability awareness to all fans. (To report discrimination, please contact info@levelplayingfield.org.uk or the FA on FootballForAll@TheFA.com.)
Level Playing Field has been receiving statements of support from key persons from across the sports industry. Here are a few statements of support.
‘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.' David Bernstein, President of Level Playing Field.
‘My family and I have personal experience of the importance of good access to sporting events as my son was a passionate disabled football fan who spent his weekends attending matches. It meant so much to Joseph and all the family to be able to share this great joy and there can be no better legacy to him than to see all clubs become fully accessible.’ June Wratten, LPF Ambassador and head of LPF Awards.
'The Level Playing Field Weeks of Action are a fantastic opportunity for clubs to look at ways they can make their stadiums more accessible for disabled fans. I wish Level Playing Field the very best for this season's campaign on behalf of everyone at the LMA' Richard Bevan, Chief Executive, League Managers Association
‘Every year the Level Playing Field Weeks of Action campaign focuses on disabled supporters and the work carried out to improve access at professional football clubs around the country. I am delighted to give my support to such an important initiative and hope 2013 sees another successful event’. Gordon Taylor OBE, Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers Association
'Trailblazers fully support this year’s Level Playing Field awareness campaign. The work highlighted during these two weeks and throughout the year remains close to our hearts at Trailblazers. We hope that as many sporting clubs as possible will take part and show off the positive work they are doing’. David Gale, Trailblazers Ambassador.
'I am passionate about football. Everyone should be able to support their team by going to games. Football, indeed all sports, should be open to everyone. I support the Level Playing Field Weeks of Action, as they help clubs and fans achieve this'. Leroy Binns, Campaigns Assistant, Mencap.
'The RFL are delighted to support the Level Playing Field Weeks of Action, it is vital for the future of all sporting organisations and clubs to ensure that their polices, facilities and services are accessible to disabled people. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Level Playing Field for the invaluable advice and support you have provided Rugby League in our efforts to improve the match day experience for our disabled supporters. We wish you continued success over these two weeks and for the future'. Sarah Williams, Equality & Diversity Manager, Rugby Football League.