Nicola MacdonaldParalympian track and field athlete Sophia Warner has joined Parallel London, a mass participation event aimed at increasing public understanding of disability.
The event aims to shine a light on accessibility issues in everyday life and create positive attitudes towards disability.
While the upcoming Paralympic Games in Rio and Invictus Games in the US will be a big step in the right direction, there is still a lot to be done to ensure that people with disabilities have adequate access to sport and fitness facilities.
Warner founded Para Tri, the first of the Tribal Series of sporting events dedicated to people with disabilities.
‘It’s a happy and sad moment for me personally,” said Warner. “I’m very sad to have left Para Tri, but I’m tremendously proud of what we achieved and I’m sure my legacy and original vision will remain in safe hands with Sportsworld. However, I feel very lucky to have found a new home at Parallel London, who are as passionate about inclusivity and accessibility as I am.
“I still have so much to offer disability sport and I’m extremely excited by their scale of ambition and what we can achieve together. It seems very fitting to be back in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park exactly four years on from the Paralympics, and this time instead of being on the track I’m delighted to be part of a team giving that opportunity to thousands.”
Parallel London will take place on 4 September and is backed by The Mayor of London.