Day of the Disabled marked with inspirational words and inspired art

A champion Paralympic cyclist, a teacher who pushes the boundaries of dance and a gallery full of heads – just some of the ways Leeds is marking the International Day of the Disabled.

Leeds City Council has several events across the city aimed at marking the day on to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of disabled people.

On Wednesday, cyclist David Stone MBE - who won two gold medals at last year’s Paralympics in Beijing - will be giving an inspirational speech about participation in sports. Keen to encourage more disabled people into sport, he will be visiting the Mariners Resource Centre to share some of his experiences.

A Day of Inclusive Dance will also take place at the centre, aimed at widening participation in dance. Teacher Emma Clayton will bring along six dance students to assist in a series of workshops exploring movement and dance, leading to a short performance afterwards.

And the man who bequeathed Kirkstall Abbey to the people of Leeds is to be the inspiration for a 3D art project at the historic site. From 2pm to 3pm on Thursday at the Abbey Visitor Centre, visually impaired children will work with artists to take inspiration from a bust of Colonel John North, who gave the Abbey to the city in 1888.

They will make sculptures of how they perceive their heads before hanging their creations in the Abbey with a big gold frame to make a 3D picture. A small informal launch with tea and cake will also take place for the children and their families.

Councillor Richard Brett, leader of Leeds City Council, who will be attending the event at Kirkstall Abbey, said:
“International Day of the Disabled is the perfect time to show that we are dedicated to helping disabled people, regardless of their background and circumstances, show that disability should be no barrier to success.
“Positive role models are vital for children, especially when they face barriers in their lives. So I’m delighted to see someone like David Stone coming to speak about his fantastic achievements and hopefully inspire children and young people in the city who are themselves disabled.
“Disabled people have a real role to play in society and I hope these events will show everyone the truth of that.”

ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Michael Molcher, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 224 3937
Email: michael.molcher@leeds.gov.uk