A conference at the University of Worcester will see people from around the world come together to reimagine culture, health and wellbeing through disability sport.
The two-day event will bring researchers, practitioners, advocates, and professionals from across the sports and physical activity sector together to share ideas and experiences on July 13 and 14 at the University of Worcester Arena.
Delivering a keynote speech will be Professor Ian Brittain, an internationally recognised expert in disability and Paralympic sports. His research explores the social, cultural, and historical dimensions of disability sport, with particular emphasis on the development of the Paralympic Games, athlete experiences, and the wider impact of sport on inclusion, identity and well-being.
Also delivering a keynote address will be Gary Callier. A former Royal Engineer in the British Army and serving police officer, Gary has represented Team UK at the Invictus Games, competing across Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball and athletics.
The conference, titled Disability Sport: Reimagining Physical Culture, Health and Wellbeing, is being organised by Rebecca Foster MBE, Principal Lecturer in Adapted Physical Education at the University of Worcester.
She said: “This conference is for everyone who works in the sports or physical activity sector and for anyone interested in creating more inclusive cultures. We’ve already seen bookings coming in from people representing a host of local businesses who are keen to find out how disability-friendly spaces and practices can be developed and sustained.”
Rebecca continued: “The diversity of voices and experiences at the conference will give attendees an incredible opportunity to mix with people they wouldn’t ordinarily get to spend time with. It’s a chance to listen, learn, and reflect on disability and inclusive participation in sport in ways that can be taken back into clinical, community and professional settings.”
The programme will include research presentations, discussion spaces and regular breaks designed to maximise networking opportunities, encourage collaboration and allow time for reflection as well as conversation.
The conference will be held in the Joel Richard’s Suite at the University of Worcester Arena, an award-winning building with inclusivity at its heart.
“The University Arena is a prestigious state-of-the-art building which lives and breathes disability culture,” Rebecca said. “It’s very apt that the conference should be held in a venue which was designed to ensure everyone who comes through the door feels valued in a space which was created with their needs in mind.”
Tickets for the conference are available for one or two days and a generous discount is available for students at the University of Worcester.
Read more about the event and book your tickets on the University of Worcester website.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk