Today marks International Day of Disabled Persons, which is the annual event held to increase awareness, acceptance and understanding for those suffering with a disability whilst also celebrating their achievements and contributions in society.
The annual event is marked every year on the 3rd December, with the first event taking place back in 1992 to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The event has continued to grow each year, with various themes being attached to the day to help raise awareness around specific barriers and achievements. The theme this year is centred around leadership and participation, to ensure those with disabilities can enjoy an inclusive and accessible post-Covid-19 world.
The Leeds United Foundation work with disabled people every week throughout the city, delivering a number of different programmes and initiatives, whilst also supporting other organisations with some of the incredible work being done to improve inclusion in sport for disabled people and provide opportunities for those who live with a disability, both juniors and adults.
The club’s official charity continue to work with a number of SILC provisions, including John Jamieson, Brigshaw and Temple Moor, where they deliver practical sessions with students helping to keep them motivated and also improving their skills and confidence levels. Coaches within the disability team are also delivering several other disability programmes, including work with both a junior and adult pan disability football team - an Under-12s pan disability team was recently launched, through funding from none other than Jon Richardson, with the youngsters now able to train regularly and compete in the Ability Counts League, an opportunity they previously didn't have access to.
If you would like to show your support for the occasion on social media, please use one of the following hashtags to get involved: #IDPD | #EveryoneIncluded | #CRPD.
For more information on the work being delivered by the disability team at the Leeds United Foundation, please contact [email protected].
