Sports: Disability
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that sporting events held in the UK are accessible for people with disabilities.
Answered by Stephanie Peacock
We remain committed to delivering international events with pride, showcasing the UK’s expertise, generating significant socio-economic benefits and inspiring the next generation’s talent. We expect any bids to host major sporting events which are seeking government support to provide evidence that accessibility has been considered from the earliest stage.
The Government's expert arm’s-length body, UK Sport, has committed to consult on the accessibility of ticketing to major events, with a view of protecting the social and cultural value of live sport to all communities across the UK as part of their strategy Making Live Sport Matter. In order to support the delivery of the strategy, UK Sport are currently working with partners with expertise on accessibility to drive understanding and best practice. This is in addition to work taking place on trialling spectator communication resources at events for visually impaired and blind visitors.
The Sports Ground Safety Authority, a Government arm’s-length body and the world leader in stadium safety, has published a free Accessible Stadia document and Supplementary Guidance to help deliver high-quality grounds with facilities and services that are accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all.
The Government has also ratified the St Denis Convention, reinforcing our commitment to providing an integrated safety, security and service approach at football matches and other sports events. Ensuring that all fans are able to participate is a key element of service, and something we will continue to champion.
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