The UK Sports Association for people with a learning disability has announced that 11 high performance athletes have joined its national campaign, My Sport, My Voice!
Many of the 11 Athlete Reps, including swimmer Chloe Davies (pictured), are rising stars in their sport and have been selected for supporting roles in the project, which officially launched in March with 13 Athlete Ambassadors.
WATCH: LDT Sheffield 2015 – UKSA Athlete Ambassadors
Long jumper Martina Barber, table tennis star Adam Thompson and England footballer Josh Walne discuss My Sport, My Voice! and their carers in these highlight clips
The project was set up with funding from Spirit of 2012 and is backed by the UK Sports Association’s partners in each country of the UK; English Federation of Disability Sport, Scottish Disability Sport, Disability Sport Wales, and Disability Sports Northern Ireland, as well as its member organisations.
Tracey McCillen, chief executive of the UK Sports Association, said: “The Athlete Reps are an important part of My Sport, My Voice! and many of them have competed at the very highest level in their sport, whilst the others are aspiring stars of tomorrow. They all have some incredible experiences to share, both in and out of the sporting arena and are working hard to make their mark in sport.
“My Sport, My Voice! provides a platform for all our athletes to share their experiences, to inspire others and to raise the profile of athletes with learning disability, all of which will help to change perceptions of people with learning disability. The athletes are at the very centre of the project and through a variety of activities and engagement are having their voices heard whilst demonstrating with the right approach and support, people with learning disability can and will excel.”
Athlete Ambassadors are co-delivering workshops in their regions and countries and representing the programme in the media while the Reps are working in a supporting role to assist the Ambassadors.
The 11 new Athlete Reps are:
To find out more about My Sport, My Voice! visit www.uksportsassociation.org
