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Whizz-Kidz ‘Generation Inspired’ Paralympic legacy consultation

Whizz-Kidz is calling on young disabled people to tell them about their hopes for the legacy of the Paralympics, and asking whether they are a generation inspired at the close of the Games.

The ‘Generation Inspired?’ consultation will run until Christmas on Whizz-Kidz’s  website, and the findings will form the basis of a manifesto – to ensure that people charged with delivering the Paralympic legacy are fully informed about what young disabled people want.

Ruth Owen OBE, Chief Executive of Whizz-Kidz said:

‘The London Paralympics shone a spotlight on the talent, skill and ambition of disabled people. However it will be a hugely missed opportunity if we don’t capitalise on the legacy of the Games - and not just to create more access to sport, but to offer greater opportunity for young disabled people across all areas of society. The young wheelchair users we speak to tell us they face invisible and visible barriers every day. It’s essential to keep on challenging these and make an enduring difference. With the results of our ‘Generation Inspired?’ survey, Whizz-Kidz will work in partnership with young people, decision makers, sports organisations and corporate and public bodies, to ensure all disabled youngsters can aspire to – and expect – a bright future.’

Charlotte Henshaw, Paralympics 2012 silver medallist SB6 100m Breastroke, lent her support to the campaign:

‘I’m proud to have represented my country in London 2012, and bringing home a Silver medal feels fantastic. I know there are thousands of young disabled people excited for a UK legacy following the Games, so I’m supporting Whizz-Kidz’s ‘Generation Inspired?’ survey to help highlight these hopes and ensure lasting change.’

Whizz-Kidz was instrumental in ensuring that London improved its accessibility in advance of the Games, working closely with BAA and Transport for London to get them ready for the arrival of Paralympic athletes and increasing numbers of disabled passengers. George Fielding, Chair of Whizz-Kidz’s ‘Kidz Board’ offered first hand guidance and said:

‘As a sports fan and a young wheelchair user, I hope the legacy of the Paralympics will raise awareness and respect for what disabled people can achieve – in the eyes of the non-disabled public, and disabled people ourselves. The Paralympics have highlighted the vital need to access the right equipment and training – and this is where it becomes an important platform considering society outside of sport too; I know that the wheelchair I received from Whizz-Kidz enables me to just get on with my life.’

Joel Connor-Saunders a fellow ‘Kidz Board’ member and wheelchair basketball player said:

‘I want the doors that were open for me to get involved with wheelchair basketball and disability sports to be open for other young disabled people in the future. It’s really important that young disabled people have a say in the legacy of the Paralympics and let Whizz-Kidz know what they would like to see happening to make the most of the high profile disability sport has received.’

 

The English Federation of Disability Sport looks forward to reading the full report and helping support many more disabled children and adults enjoy sport for life.

The full link to the Whizz-Kidz survey can be found at http://bit.ly/WKGenInspired.