How Venues Can Cater For All Visitors

Accessibility for those with disabilities varies between events and is improving, but more could still be done

- Lucy Elder

DISCUSSION has reignited on how competition venues can be made more accessible for all.

Former jockey Freddy Tylicki, who was paralysed from the waist down last October, has written about the issue and a government review into sporting venues found improvements could be made.

Paralympic gold medallist and Disabled Access Day ambassador Sophie Christiansen told H&H she has found disabled access has “definitely got better” while she has been competing, but she is “well aware” it can be difficult to make existing infrastructure work.

“Grass, arenas and gravel are a nightmare for wheelchairs,” she said, adding this is yards’ “very nature”. “But places have got better — they put down ramps and rubber mats, which helps.

“I think more people are thinking about it, although my opinion may be influenced by the fact that to hold para competitions, venues have to be vetted beforehand.”