Open to all, no need to be a club member!
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on Diversity and Inclusion in Sports, featuring a special focus on wheelchair basketball. Our panel of athletes, coaches, and advocates will explore the challenges and triumphs of creating a more inclusive sporting world, from accessibility and representation to breaking stereotypes and fostering equity. Snacks and refreshments will be provided during the event!
Meet our speakers today:
Amir is our amazing club's coach. Amir contracted polio at age of two and faced many challenges as a person with disabilities. He became a dedicated advocate for disability rights and inclusion in sports. He coached a range of disability sports and co-founded the Hackney Sparrows Wheelchair Basketball Club in 1987, which has since become a nurturing ground for British talent, including Paralympic medalists and ex GB captains, Ade Adepitan and Ade Orogebemi. He has been a strong advocate for disability, equality and integration and wholeheartedly promoted the motto that 'Anyone can play wheelchair basketball'. Beyond coaching, Amir's background is in teaching, policy development, equalities and community work.
Amir is a Paralympic torchbearer in London 2012 games and coordinated a team to represent the disabilities in Queens Jubilee 2023. Amir coached the international refugees wheelchair basketball team in Athens 2023.
Natasha is a fellow wheelchair basketball player and assistant coach, dedicated to the sport and to raising awareness about it. She is also a passionate activist for women's rights and the climate crisis. Previously full-time lawyer, she is now founder and director of ROARing Voices, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to educating and entertaining audiences on social and environmental issues through the arts.
Danilo is the Welfare Officer of the Disabled Students Network and one of UCL's two LGBTQ+ Officers. Danilo is also the president of several societies, including Autism Society, and is dedicated to helping people and helping reduce loneliness.
Mattie is a second year Classics student. Mattie was the disability champion for the department of Greek and Latin. Mattie is a wheelchair user and recently joined the UCL wheelchair basketball club, as one of our committed star players!
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear powerful stories, gain new perspectives, and be part of the conversation on making sports accessible for all. Get your free ticket now!
There is disabled parking nearby, a ramp to the building entrance and the room is fully accessible with disabled toilets nearby as well.