Every athlete should have the right to compete, regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality or disability. Post the London 2012 Olympics there was meant to be a legacy of sports, yet the numbers of people getting involved in disability sport have dropped.
One positive is that disability sports have finally been included at BUCS (British University Championships) outdoor competitions, yet it is still not included at the indoor championships!
Why is this?
One of the main difficulties with holding competitions for disabled athletes is that there simply aren’t enough people. We need to encourage people with disabilities to get involved in sport from an early age, more support needs to be given to mainstream schools so they can support disabled students. It’s a sad fact that unless you go to a specialist schools you unlikely to hear about the opportunities available.
I want more people to get involved in disability sports, especially those like myself from disadvantaged backgrounds. There needs to be greater support for disabled athletes and more competitions so that they are not just racing against able bodied athletes.
Disabled athletes train just as hard as their able-bodied counterparts if not harder; they should also have the right to compete! It is a proud moment for any athlete to step onto the track or field and represent their university, and it doesn't matter whether they come first or last. For many disabled athletes, they were told they would never do the things they are doing. 18 years ago they told me I would never walk and now I run.
Support disability sports, and give them the opportunity, EVERY ATHLETE HAS THE RIGHT TO COMPETE! Help to bring equality to sports.
Please also read my blog: http://www.lssportstherapy.co.uk/category/blog/
Updates
February 23, 2015
The momentum generated by this petition has prompted BUCS administrators to schedule a meeting regarding the inclusion of disability events in the indoor championships. I am currently drafting a formal briefing document to outline our requirements for student athletes. We will present this evidence to the board to demand parity across all competition venues.
Reached 100 supporters
February 23, 2015
16 Comments
totaly agree with this. BUCS needs to step up and make changes because the current setup is just not good enough.
I applaud this initiative and endorse the pledge that sporting events defined by belonging to universities is exactly that - this is or should be unquestionably the point of entry. Maybe ask BUCS to consult the Disability Discrimination Act.
we're all athletes and hungry to compete. Should definitely be introduced to indoor BUCS!
I think it is wrong that my brother does not get the opportunity to show off his full potential at a national level just because he is disabled. It is an outrage
It extremely unfair that you give very little concern and platform to disabled people like myself. If sporting and equal opportunities are human right, are you then not saying that we are less human than you are? Remember, I didn't chose to be born this way, I was born this way.
Good luck with the campaign Ryan
BUCS must act!
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
Every athlete should have the right to compete, regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality or disability. Post the London 2012 Olympics there was meant to be a legacy of sports, yet the numbers of people getting involved in disability sport have dropped.
One positive is that disability sports have finally been included at BUCS (British University Championships) outdoor competitions, yet it is still not included at the indoor championships!
Why is this?
One of the main difficulties with holding competitions for disabled athletes is that there simply aren’t enough people. We need to encourage people with disabilities to get involved in sport from an early age, more support needs to be given to mainstream schools so they can support disabled students. It’s a sad fact that unless you go to a specialist schools you unlikely to hear about the opportunities available.
I want more people to get involved in disability sports, especially those like myself from disadvantaged backgrounds. There needs to be greater support for disabled athletes and more competitions so that they are not just racing against able bodied athletes.
Disabled athletes train just as hard as their able-bodied counterparts if not harder; they should also have the right to compete! It is a proud moment for any athlete to step onto the track or field and represent their university, and it doesn't matter whether they come first or last. For many disabled athletes, they were told they would never do the things they are doing. 18 years ago they told me I would never walk and now I run.
Support disability sports, and give them the opportunity, EVERY ATHLETE HAS THE RIGHT TO COMPETE! Help to bring equality to sports.
Please also read my blog: http://www.lssportstherapy.co.uk/category/blog/
Updates
February 23, 2015
The momentum generated by this petition has prompted BUCS administrators to schedule a meeting regarding the inclusion of disability events in the indoor championships. I am currently drafting a formal briefing document to outline our requirements for student athletes. We will present this evidence to the board to demand parity across all competition venues.
Reached 100 supporters
February 23, 2015
16 Comments
its honestly ridiculous that indoor events are still so exclusive. everyone deserves an equal shot at competing regardless of ability.
totaly agree with this. BUCS needs to step up and make changes because the current setup is just not good enough.
I applaud this initiative and endorse the pledge that sporting events defined by belonging to universities is exactly that - this is or should be unquestionably the point of entry. Maybe ask BUCS to consult the Disability Discrimination Act.
we're all athletes and hungry to compete. Should definitely be introduced to indoor BUCS!
I think it is wrong that my brother does not get the opportunity to show off his full potential at a national level just because he is disabled. It is an outrage
It extremely unfair that you give very little concern and platform to disabled people like myself. If sporting and equal opportunities are human right, are you then not saying that we are less human than you are? Remember, I didn't chose to be born this way, I was born this way.
Good luck with the campaign Ryan
BUCS must act!
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
its honestly ridiculous that indoor events are still so exclusive. everyone deserves an equal shot at competing regardless of ability.