Level Playing Field Newsletter June 2014 

To join Level Playing Field contact us at: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk

Introduction of Private Members Bill on the Governance of Sport

Today in the House of Lords,  Lord Moynihan will be introducing a Private Members Bill on the Governance of Sport. It is hoped that this Bill will stimulate discussion vital to the development of sport in the UK. Specifically, the Governance of Sport Bill provides the necessary framework within which governing bodies of sport will be held accountable for spending public and lottery money. It places new and necessary responsibility on Government to act in the interests of sportsmen and women and supporters and will enable sport to create a platform from which to capitalise on the success of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games of 2012.

Item 29 of the Bill focuses specifically on Disability Access and obliges the Secretary of State to make provisions for the access of disabled athletes and spectators to sport venues and sporting events as further specified in "Accessibility Guide – An Inclusive Approach to the Olympic & Paralympic Games”, issued by the International Paralympic Committee in June 2013. To view the Bill itself, click here. For a definition of Private Members Bills, click here.

Joyce Cook OBE, Chair of Level Playing Field has commented, "Level Playing Field welcomes Lord Moynihan’s new Bill and especially its provisions relating to disability access for disabled spectators."

"We note with great interest the requirements in Section 6 ‘Disability Access’ in relation to the International Paralympic Committee Standards 2013. These standards are more in keeping with the demographics of the disabled population than those adopted by Accessible Stadia and we look forward to hearing the parliamentary debates that will inevitably follow."

"It is critical that we build on the legacy of London 2012 and the positive experiences enjoyed by both disabled and non-disabled spectators. Disabled fans got a taste of just what is possible during the Olympics and Paralympics and our message is clear. We call on the sports governing bodies and Government to come together to finally ensure equal access and true inclusion for all sports loving fans – disabled fans have waited for 20 years for this to happen. There is no better time than now!"

Level Playing Field AGM May 2014 

On 22 May, Level Playing Field held its 16th Annual General Meeting at Portcullis House, Westminster. Hosted by LPF Vice President, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, and opened by LPF Chair, Joyce Cook. The meeting provided an opportunity to pay tribute to Gary Deards and LPF were delighted to welcome Gary's parents Hazel and Brian Deards as guests of honour. An afternoon of interesting discussion took place during which the previous year's reports and accounts were circulated to all those present. Keith Graham, Rosie Perkins and Tony Taylor were elected to serve as Management Trustees. Jamie Beddard, Steve Daniels and Kush Kanodia were elected to serve as Executive Trustees. 

To view a copy of the 2013/2014 LPF Annual Report, click here. 

Level Playing Field News Round Up

It's been another very busy few weeks at Level Playing Field. This month's round up includes our office move, the LPF AGM, the Working Together Project and lots more.  The round up can be viewed here.

News in Brief

A reminder that LPF has relocated to London from Chester. 

UEFA open disciplinary proceedings against Paris St Germain.

Manual boarding ramps have been introduced at Kilburn, Stanmore and our nearest station - Wembley Park.

Support for stepfree Crossrail.

LPF Member, Wendy Morrell had an interesting visitor join her whilst watching the French Open Tennis Championship.

World Cup Assistant Referee, Mike Mullarkey becomes ECDSA Ambassador. 

Keep in touch

LPF takes your views very seriously and we can and will contact clubs and organisers to make sure that where there are problems, these can be resolved - where things have gone well, we'd also like to give the appropriate words of praise as well. Your views, more than any, are so important to us.

There are a number of ways that you can get in touch with us and you can be assured that if you want us to treat something in confidence, we will respect that.

You can email us at info@levelplayingfield.org.uk telephone us on 020 8621 2403, or write to us at the following address:
LPF, c/o CAFE, No.1 Olympic Way, Wembley, London, HA9 0NP.

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Level Playing Field: c/o CAFE, No. 1 Olympic Way, Wembley, London,  HA9 0NP
Helpline: 020 8621 2403

Email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk | Web: www.levelplayingfield.org.uk. 

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