The celebration took place during their Gallagher Premiership fixture vs Worcester Warriors and there was a hive of activity throughout the day, with the end goal of shining a light on the positive work being done and bringing the wider community together and to celebrate Inclusion.
Ahead of Kick off, there were a number of charities in attendance showcasing the work they do and raising awareness with fans, staff and volunteers about how they could support and highlight some of the barriers disabled fans face when attending lives sport.
Fans had the opportunity to speak to:
- Level Playing Field
- British Sign Language
- Guide for the Blind Association
- Royal National Institute of Blind People
- Colour Blind Awareness
- National Autistic Society
- Attenborough Arts Centre
- Sunflower Lanyard Scheme
Leicester Tigers also took the opportunity to launch new initiates and schemes such as the ‘Sunflower Lanyard’ service. The club have implemented this new provision to support fans who have hidden disabilities to further enjoy and maximize their matchday. It is said that “Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around you including staff, colleagues and health professionals that you may need additional support, help or a little more time.”
Leicester Tigers access team now have Accessibility Assistants who are at locations across the stadium, you can identify Accessibility Assistants as they are wearing blue lanyards or by asking a matchday steward. Their main role is to meet and greet disabled fans and offer support where required.
Owain Davies, Level Playing Field Chief Executive said:
“We were delighted to attend this inaugural event, Level Playing Field is currently in the middle of its national campaign, Weeks of Action, and to have the support from Leicester Tigers is fantastic. They really went the extra mile during the matchday by launching new services and raising awareness of access and inclusion.”
He went on to say: “Some of the activities and services launched during their matchday vs Worcester Warriors will provide a lasting legacy that should allow existing fans to furthermore enjoy their matchdays at Welford Road whilst also supporting potential and news fans in coming to watch live rugby. Its clear that as a society there is a lot more we can do to make accessing the community more accessible however the more we talk about it and act on initiatives such as the Leicester Tigers Inclusion Day the closer we will get to making watching liver sport accessible for everyone.”
If supporters would like to find out more information, or would like to highlight any specific requirements or questions, please email accessforall@tigers.co.uk or call the Leicester Tigers ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2).