Our special wishes go out to Warrington Disability Partnership who are celebrating the Silver Anniversary of their Disability Awareness Day this coming Sunday with a free show at Walton Gardens in Warrington.
Gladstone Brookes are co-sponsors of the event which was attended by more than 25,000 people last year, making it the biggest event of its kind anywhere in the world.
Disability Awareness Week
The headline event is supported by a week of activities which include:
Frogtastic in the Park – with tribute acts Rod Stewart and Amy Whitehouse, plus DJs
Disability Matters – an interactive awareness event for students at local schools
Wise Up – a special presentation on hate crime and bullying
Mental Health and Wellbeing workshops
The Mayor of Warrington’s International Evening of Cultural Diversity
A Carers’ Tea Party with music and dance for older people, their families and carers
A Children’s Tea Party for disabled children and young people, their families and friends
The Wingates Brass Band in concert
A mega BBQ Quiz and charity auction
For full details on venues and tickets visit their website at http://www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk// or check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Disability-Awareness-Day/103115809806796?ref=hl
‘Can do’ attitude
Event founder and Co-ordinator Dave Thompson says: “The back-story to DAD is a great example of just how far a ‘can do’ attitude can take you.
“What started out in 1992 as a one-off event is now the highlight of the international disabled community’s calendar – inspiring similar events as far afield as India and Cameroon! For 2016, the team at the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Uganda (CDR-Uganda) are planning their first DAD event in July and have been working closely with the team in Warrington.
Satisfaction
“There is no greater satisfaction for me than seeing ‘DAD’s Army’ of volunteers coming together to support people to enjoy and access our week-long programme of events – all of which are about awareness-raising, celebrating diversity and promoting independent living.
“Thanks to the support of our sponsors – including Gladstone Brookes – there is something for everyone during ‘DAD Week’ and I urge people of all ages to take the opportunity to join us at Walton Hall Gardens – especially as the weather forecast is looking good!”
Tented village
This year’s headline event will be on Sunday July 10th with a huge tented village housing over 250 exhibitors – including equipment suppliers, transport, holidays, leisure and employment providers and support groups.
New exhibitors for 2016 include ‘Speed of Sight’, a charity providing a new experience for people with disabilities through motor sport. Their founder is Mike Newman, 6 times Guinness World Record holder. Mike is the fastest blind man on the planet on land and water.
Other highlights
Inclusive arts is just one of the highlights of the event – with disabled performers including Carly Ryan, Ella Together Performance Group and the Warrington BSL Signing Choir. DAD 25 will also see the return of the Main Arena, which will provide family entertainment for all including dance troupes, guide dog display teams and falconry displays.
Also on-site will be a fully accessible, inclusive – and outdoor – Sports Zone, which is supported by Active Cheshire. This will boast an impressive assortment of activities including Scuba Try Dives provided by Cheshire Scuba Academy, wheelchair basketball from our team of WDP volunteers, small bore rifle shooting, new age curling, martial arts, accessible rugby and dance with Warrington Wolves Community Foundation and golf, courtesy of Sutton Hall Golf Club.
World record attempt
The event will also see the start of a world record attempt for the largest tombola which will be held in the Golden Square shopping mall on Saturday October 1st, under official Guinness World Records rules and scrutiny.
Caroline Thompson says: “We will be starting to collect items donated for prizes at Disability Awareness Day, but if people can’t make it there then they can be dropped off at our Centre For Independent Living, our stall on Warrington Market, Mobility and Independent Living Services or Tesco Extra Warrington. New condition only please.”
Proud
Gladstone Brookes general manager Leon Moye says: “We are proud to continue our support for the Warrington Disability Partnership and the fantastic work they do in raising awareness about disabilities of all kinds, celebrating diversity and promoting independent living. This event has grown in stature from very small beginnings to international significance and we are proud to be associated with it.
“Our sponsorship is just part of our ongoing commitment to charitable causes both in our local area and nationally. We believe strongly in giving back to the community we live and work in and we wish Warrington Disability Partnership every success in their future endeavours.”
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