University of Worcester Invited to Share Inclusive Sport Success at Prestigious Paralympic Conference in Rio

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester will be speaking alongside Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, at a major conference at the Rio Paralympics this week.

Professor David Green has been invited to speak about the University's success in inclusive sport, to a global audience, including National Paralympic Committees, sports ministers from around the world, representatives of Organising Committees for the Olympic Games and Candidate Cities, commercial organisations involved in sport and representatives of major sports bodies.

The University is becoming internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for inclusive sport, and has already been involved in discussions with the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Committee on planning a legacy for its games.

Professor Green will speak, alongside Sir Philip Craven, at the International Paralympic Committee Inclusion Summit on Thursday and Friday this week.

"Colleagues at the University of Worcester have worked very hard, with great innovation, in recent years to develop a truly inclusive approach to sport, education and participation," said Professor Green. "We are delighted to be able to share our knowledge and experiences with such a distinguished audience."

The University's Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Sport, Mick Donovan, is also in Rio this week, giving a keynote speech on Worcester's innovative approach to inclusive sport post London 2012 at the World Academy of Sport's International Paralympic Committee campus event.

"It is great recognition for colleagues within the University who are making such a meaningful impact within the field of inclusive sport," he said. "Clearly, this opportunity to share our good practice will also raise the profile of the University and the region on a global stage."

The University's Chair of Governors, John Bateman, will also be attending to engage in discussions at the event and to support Worcester students, currently representing Great Britain at the Games

Since the curtain came down on London 2012, the University of Worcester has helped to drive the Paralympic legacy forward. The fully accessible University of Worcester Arena has accommodated countless regional, national and international disability sport fixtures and events, whilst also helping to break down barriers to sport participation amongst all social groups, making the facility truly inclusive.

The Arena is the training base of British Wheelchair Basketball, whose men's and women's teams are currently enjoying great success in Rio. Three members of the women's squad, including co-captain Sophie Carrigill, are also students and graduates of the University.

The University is now involved in developing an International Centre for Inclusive Sport, which will provide additional facilities for disability sport, including a blind cricket centre, as well as build on the University's existing success in educating the next generation of coaches with the knowledge and expertise to work across a range of elite level and grass roots disciplines, regardless of ability or disability.

Earlier this month, Worcester was shortlisted for the Times Higher Education's University of the Year because of its inclusive ethos and approach.