Latest news with #Paralympian
The Independent
6 hours ago
- The Independent
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson unveils plan to improve air travel accessibility
Outdated language and inconsistent training for aviation staff are negatively affecting the experience of flying for disabled people, a new review of air travel accessibility in the UK has revealed. The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group (AATFG) group, established in November 2024 by the Department for Transport (DfT), aims to improve accessibility for disabled people on board aircraft and in airport terminals. Former Paralympian and accessibility campaigner Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson led the AATFG in curating 19 key accessibility recommendations for airlines, airports and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Welsh crossbench peer told The Independent that she is familiar with 'really bad' travel experiences – something that can be 'catastrophic' for a disabled person if things go wrong. According to the 16 July report, improved training for airline and airport staff, clearer passenger information and robust complaint procedures are needed to make flying more inclusive. One 'poor experience' can stop someone from flying altogether, found the AATFG. The review featured issues including missed flights, the use of non-inclusive language, broken or lost mobility equipment and an extended wait time to disembark. The taskforce said that clearer passenger information is key for travellers to book assistance, access airport support services and transport mobility aids independently. 'Some of it is disabled people knowing their rights,' said Lady Grey-Thompson. She also called for aviation workers to do more to help passengers with complaints when things do go wrong. As chair of the AATFG, Lady Grey-Thompson said the 'biggest part 'of creating the report was industry representatives 'coming together, sitting in the same room and talking about it'. 'It's actually just trying to join up the system', she added. The report highlighted an obvious inconsistency in accessibility training across different airports and airlines. A lack of inclusive language was revealed, with 'outdated' terminology often used in the aviation sector. It added that disability awareness training – developed alongside people with lived experience – should be rolled out for all aviation staff, including ground services and those in hospitality roles. Lady Grey-Thompson said: 'Everyone in the airport needs to have an understanding of both visible and invisible impairments.' Although in other sectors the 'excuse' of more training would earn an 'eye roll' from the Paralympic medallist, in aviation, the standardisation of training could be used to create a positive experience for disabled travellers. She said: 'For everyone to have the same type of training sounds so basic, but it would make a lot of sense. 'It's about treating everyone with respect from security to the gate.' The group chair added that experiencing discrimination while travelling, even in an airport café, can 'affect the whole journey' for disabled flyers. She previously told BBC Breakfast of her 'humiliation' at being blamed for the late departure of a flight after the captain announced the delay was "because of the wheelchair." According to CAA data, 5.5 million passengers requested assistance at a UK airport in 2024 – 1.9 per cent of total travellers. Lady Grey-Thompson says that key sectors of the aviation industry have 'recognised that they need to do better' following repeated media scrutiny of airlines for leaving passengers on a plane or damaging mobility equipment. BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, who uses a wheelchair, has repeatedly criticised accessibility services at London Heathrow. Just last month, Mr Gardner was kept waiting for 90 minutes after other passengers had disembarked following a British Airways flight from Singapore. Improving airport accessibility frameworks – used to assess how airports perform against their legal obligations – was also recommended to the CAA. As of the latest airport accessibility report, most airports were ranked in the 'good' or 'very good' categories. The group recognised it would be 'quite expensive' to fully rebuild older airports but added that the aviation industry should 'learn from its mistakes quickly and rectify them.' Airport accessibility guides, and 'enhanced access to assistance throughout the airport journey', are among the 19 recommendations. Lady Grey-Thompson said: 'This report is the next critical step in making air travel more inclusive for disabled people. 'I'm grateful for the commitment the industry has shown to making change and breaking down barriers in aviation for everyone, bringing freedom to travel, whether for leisure or work, and to connect with friends and family.' Currently, there are no legislative plans or budget from the government to enforce the changes. However, future airport eGate plans include wider accessible gates. The group will now start to deliver the recommendations for disabled passengers, with progress reports to the DfT to ensure proposals are adopted by the industry. In response to the report's release, transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'Everyone should be able to travel with dignity and be respected at every stage of their journeys, including disabled passengers. That's why we established this group in November last year, and I welcome this report's findings, which will clear the runway for greater accessibility in aviation. 'I know the industry is working hard to make services more inclusive for all, and I look forward to seeing these proposals becoming a reality with the support of the group. Now is the time for action and to make a real difference so that people can travel with confidence.'
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
'The worst thing you can do is be afraid to fail and let your dream die'
Colin Judge hopes his journey to becoming a two-time Paralympian and Paris 2024 flagbearer can inspire others who are struggling with their disability. The Dubliner has recalled to Fitter Happier how he had to face down his own fear of failure to become one of the best table tennis players in the world. 'It began when I was 10 or 11 years of age,' he said. 'I was struggling with my disability a lot, I'd just gone into secondary school. 'I went to an able-bodied rugby school, St Michael's College, and it was the first time I really realised I was different. 'My friends all started playing rugby at this stage and it obviously wasn't an option for me.' So, along with his brother, he went searching for a sport that he could play. 'I remember being in UCD at a sports camp, trying out a number of different sports with my younger, able-bodied brother,' said the 30-year-old. 'Wheelchair rugby was the first, which was a lot of fun, but I wasn't very good at it. My brother beat me at everything, more or less, for the majority of the week. 'Having one arm and no legs, I struggled with a lot of sports. 'But table tennis was the last one that we tried and I took to it pretty quickly. It was the only sport that I could beat my brother at, so it was from there that I decided to give it a go.' It wasn't easy, though, as Judge was anxious about reaching out for advice. Judge was speaking at the launch of a partnership between SPAR and EUROSPAR, and The Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland. He said: 'I reached out to the coach in UCD, which was quite a big deal for me at the time, because I was a pretty nervous guy, and I didn't want to be a nuisance. 'I felt I wasn't going to be good enough. But I did it in the end and the rest is history, I suppose. I'm very happy that I sent that email. 'I wasn't very good at it at the beginning, but I suppose it was more of an outlet in my earlier days, somewhere to go in the evening, improve my social skills and do a bit of exercise. 'Then it obviously became much more than that over the years.' Judge's rise in the world of table tennis has been impressive. After the heartache of missing out on a spot at Rio in 2016 by one place, he qualified for Tokyo and then Paris, where he led out Team Ireland at the opening ceremony. Currently in the top-eight in the world, he has been performing consistently this year and has three more ranking tournaments to come, including the European Championships in Sweden in November. A third Paralympics in LA is on the agenda, with Judge saying: 'There's gas left in the tank. 100 percent. We are very committed to that at the moment.' Judge's sporting successes have been mirrored in other areas of his life. He has paused a career in actuary to focus on full-time training. His story is as powerful as anyone's when it comes to the positive role that sport can play. 'As I got involved in table tennis, my social skills improved a lot,' he said. 'But more than that, once I started to take the sport seriously, I started to set goals for myself, I started to commit to training four or five times a week. 'I didn't reach all the goals that I set out for myself, but I think the goals that I did reach helped boost that relationship that I had with me, and made me feel better about myself. It gave me confidence. 'Then, over the years as I got better, I realised that for all the things I couldn't do, there was a lot that I could do. 'The success that I achieved in table tennis translated directly into other areas of life.' 'I don't know where I would be without (sport).' That takes us to his message for anyone who might be, as was the case for Judge when he went to secondary school, struggling with their disability. He said: 'I think the absolute best advice I could give is similar to what I said about sending that email. 'Sometimes when you are a young kid with a disability it is extremely difficult to put yourself out there and take the initiative. But the people out there are a lot nicer than you think sometimes. 'I was so afraid that I'd be a nuisance and I wouldn't be good enough. I probably wasn't good enough, but so many people helped me along the way. 'I think the worst thing you can do is be afraid to fail and let your dream die. 'Sometimes you have got to put yourself in those uncomfortable situations and really just try everything, and not be afraid to fail, and not be afraid to take the initiative and put yourself in an uncomfortable situation, because that's where a lot of growth happens.' # SPAR and EUROSPAR have been announced as Official Retail Partners to The Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland. As part of the agreement, they will offer opportunities for communities to show their support for their local athletes. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Against all odds, these para athletes from Karnataka are chasing glory
Bengaluru: In a world where para sports are still fighting for equal footing, three women from Karnataka are quietly rewriting the narrative — not just with milestones and medals, but with grit, grace, and relentless hope. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They've fallen. Been frowned upon. Told they couldn't do it. But Rakshitha Raju, Harshita Tater, and Shilpa Kanchugarkoppalu were determined to script their stories and step into the limelight instead of shying away from it. Hailing from different corners of Karnataka, these three para athletes carry the weight of struggles many will not see. For all three, the athletics track became a place of freedom. Their journeys are marked by quiet courage, unbreakable will, and a belief that they are more than the labels the world gave them. At the recently concluded Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship in Bengaluru, the trio reminded all that the human spirit — when pushed — can soar far beyond what the eye can see. Rakshitha Raju When Rakshitha lost her farmer-parents at a young age, the world seemed stacked against her. Her mother Geetha passed away when she was two years old, and eight years later, she lost her father, Raju. Raised by a deaf grandmother, Lalithamma, who works on a farm in Mudigere, the Paris Paralympian found herself navigating a childhood shadowed by social alienation and financial burden. Born blind, she recalls being mocked and written off. "They would tell me I'm a waste," the 24-year-old recalled, "But my grandmother, being disabled herself, understood me." At the age of 8, she got her first taste of running. A schoolteacher at Asha Kiran Blind School in Chikkamagaluru noticed her sprinting and encouraged her to pursue athletics. Despite the odds, the two-time Asian Games medallist clung to her passion. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Her resilience and talent eventually caught the attention of her coach and guide runner — Rahul Balakrishna — at the national championships in Delhi, and he invited her to train at the Sports Authority of India in Bengaluru. "He has been my biggest support," she said gratefully. But Rakshitha's dreams don't end on the track. Off the field, she harbours an equally ambitious goal — to crack the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) examination. "I love studying," she said. "Becoming an IAS officer is my dream. I'm not eligible for IPS because I'm blind, but IAS allows me to serve." Harshita Tater For Bengaluru girl Harshita, sport wasn't a childhood dream — it was a lifeline that emerged during the chaos of Covid-19. As a medical student helping with patient care, the T37-category athlete (those with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination) began running to improve her lung capacity. What started as a coping mechanism quickly transformed into a calling. A year on, Harshita, who has made her mark at the national stage in 200m and 400m and is now enjoying a fine showing in long jump, made a bold decision — to leave MBBS behind to chase the finish line instead. "Letting go of medicine was tough," admitted the athlete, who suffered a brain clot after a fall as a baby. "It was my childhood dream. But running gave me something I had never felt before — a sense of purpose," said Harshita, who was spotted by coach Gurkaran Singh, who continues to train her along with Vikram Aiyappa. She switched to studying psychology, determined to one day blend sport and mental health into a meaningful career. Life as a para athlete, however, hasn't been easy. "You don't have a fixed calendar. There's no personal life." Yet, she has no regrets. What keeps her going is the small, daily satisfaction of pushing her limits and the joy of seeing her young nephew proudly running around with her medals. With her sights firmly set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, Harshita is determined to break into the world's top 10. "Discipline over motivation," said the 25-year-old, whose father has an electrical business and mother is a homemaker. "That's what sport has taught me," said the confessed foodie, who is running not just for medals, but also to inspire, include, and redefine possibility. Shilpa Kanchugarkoppalu Shilpa, a para athlete from Krishnarajanagar in Mysuru district, is proof it is never too late to chase a dream. At 29, under the guidance of coach Raghavendra SG, she took her first steps into sport — on a prosthetic leg. Today, at 36, she is one of India's most promising para athletes in shot put and discus throw. A childhood accident led to the amputation of her leg, but Shilpa, daughter of a farmer, never let that stop her. Initially a Kannada teacher, she gave up her job to dedicate herself to sport. "I started playing volleyball first, but it was a team effort. In athletics, I win or lose on my own — and that gives me strength," said Shilpa, who competes in the F57 category (athletes with lower limb impairments). Shilpa trains at Sree Kanteerava Stadium under coach ED Eshan, and has won several medals at national and international events. Yet, financial challenges loom large. Coming from an economically backward background, she struggles to afford basic gear, let alone expensive equipment or artificial limbs. Despite it all, she finds joy in sport. Now preparing for the upcoming Asian Para Games, Shilpa continues to battle the odds — not just on the field, but off it too — with quiet determination and unwavering passion. All she seeks is a chance and a little support.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
All you need to know about Edinburgh Truckfest 2025
Truckfest is rolling into Edinburgh again this August and the two-day event promises thrilling car crushing monster trucks, BMX stunts and trucks galore. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The car crushing event has been running for more than 40 years and offers one of the most wide ranging exhibitions of the trucking industry that is suitable for the whole family to enjoy. The annual show features large haulage trucks of all shapes and sizes including American rigs, customised trucks, emergency vehicles and vintage trucks. Here is everything you need to know about Truckfest 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When is Truckfest 2025? This year's trucking event is being held at Edinburgh's Royal Highland Centre on Saturday, August 2 and 3. How do I get tickets and how much are they? You can buy tickets by visiting the Truckfest website . Tickets bought in advance cost £18 for adults and £10 for children aged five to 15. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) costs £46. Children under five can enter for free. Visitors can also choose to camp onsite with a family camping pass (2 adults and 2 children) costing £175 if purchased in advance. This price rises to £220 on the day. For a full list of camping ticket prices you can visit the company website. Camping tickets include spaces for a tent and car, caravan and car or a motorhome. The ticket includes entry into the event for the duration of the weekend. There are toilet and showering facilities on site and dogs are welcome. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Spectator favourite "Swampthing" is making a return this year | Truckfest What events are on this year? Audience favourite American monster truck 'Swampthing' is making a return along with an array of four and two wheeled attractions featuring car crushing and high jumping stunts. There is a Family Fun Fair and inflatable kids zone for children's entertainment. For the truck enthusiasts, hundreds of trucks will compete in various categories, showcasing the best in custom and themed airbrushed paintwork. The main arena will also feature the stunt team Broke FMX. The Giant Scottish Pipers, Scotland's only roaming stilt-walking pipe and drum duo, will perform live throughout the showgrounds for revellers to enjoy. Paralympian and World Record Holder Shane McLoughlin will also be attending this years Trickfest. Earlier this year, Shane made history by pulling a 30-tonne truck and breaking his own world record for the heaviest vehicle pulled by a Paralympian, all while raising global awareness for amputees. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad You can also get involved with the Truck Pull Challenge. Competitors will go head-to-head to pull a truck 20 metres in the fastest time. Alongside strongman Mark Anglesea, organisers are calling on all attending companies to step up and claim the title of Truck Pull Champions. Truckfest Scotland will bring a range of trucks to the capital next month | Truckfest How do I get there? Routes and public transport Car You can enter EH28 8NB into your Sat Nav to find the event. The Royal Highland Centre sits off Glasgow Road (A8) between Newbridge roundabout and the A8/Airport roundabout, one of the main routes into the city. All shows held at the Royal Highland Centre are signposted from all major routes. Access to the venue is from A8/Airport roundabout on to the Eastfield Road. From there signposts are visible directing you to the venue along Fairview Road onto Ingliston Road. Parking costs £10 per vehicle and card payment is preferred. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Public transport There are multiple buses through Edinburgh to get to the ROyal Highland Centre, they are: Citylink – 902, 909, AIR, Lothian Buses – 100 Airlink, 200 Skylink, 400 Skylink and Stagecoach – 747. The closest tram stop to the Royal Highland Centre is Ingliston Park and Ride which is a 25 minute journey from the North & East Entrance.
Graziadaily
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters: Meet Paralympian Ade Adepitan
ITV's newest entertainment format sees a group of celebrities submerged in shark infested waters. If you're wondering who would be crazy enough to sign up to a show like that, TV presenter and wheelchair basketball player, Ade Adepitan, is one such person. As someone who has made their bravery and resilience clear throughout their career, perhaps it's not such a surprise to see Paralympian Ade plunged into a shark cage on the show after all. And if it's made you question where you've seen him before then you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know about the presenter. Ade, whose full name is Adedoyin Olayiwola, is a TV presenter and wheelchair basketball player who has hosted travel documentaries and sports programmes for BBC and Channel 4 for more than 20 years. In 2004, Ade won a bronze medal at the Summer Paralympics playing wheelchair basketball. He is an advocate for promoting access to sport for disabled people and received an MBE for his services to disability sport in 2005. Ade got his start as an actor and appeared in Casualty and Desperados and Eastenders before moving into presenting in the early 2000s. He appeared on Channel 4's Unreported World during the 2010s and That Paramlympic Show in 2012 with Rick Edwards. Ade hosted Africa with Ade Adepitan in 2019 and Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline in 2021. Ade has also presented the Invictus Games, The One Show and World's Biggest Cities on the BBC. In 2025, Ade appeared on Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters alongside Lenny Henry, Amandaland star Lucy Punch, Helen George, Rachel Riley, Dougie Poynter and Ross Noble. In the show's attempt to showcase sharks in a new light, Ade takes on the physical challenges with twice the difficulty and vigour because of his disability, making him twice as impressive. Ade was born in Lagos in Nigeria where he contracted polio as an infant. This caused damage to his legs which required him to use a wheelchair. Yes, Ade has been married to singer Linda Harrison, who performs as Elle Exxe, since 2018. They have a son who was born in 2021. Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).
