Local Paralympian gold medalist to help celebrate achievements of disabled people

Para-Olympian Ellie Robinson MBE will help celebrate achievements of disabled people in West Northamptonshire during the International Day of People with Disabilities in December.

Ellie Robinson, alongside coach Andy Sharp, will feature in a mix of live and recorded presentations between 11am and 2:15pm on Thursday, 1 December, in celebration of International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPD).

Robinson is the world record holder for the S6 50m & 100m butterfly events, as well as winning Paralympic a bronze and a gold medal in Rio 2016.

This year's event is the fourth time its come to West Northants, and is themed around 'not all disabilities are visible'. 

Organised by the West Northamptonshire Council Disabled Person’s Forum, the information-packed virtual event will be hosted by forum member Kian Saville and will see people share their personal stories of invisible disabilities.

Britain's Got Talent golden buzzer act Born To Perform will also be involved in celebrations.

Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for community safety and Engagement, said: "I am delighted that WNC is marking IDPWD for a third year running and helping to shine a light on the fact that not all disabilities are immediately visible.

"Disabled people are an important part of our diverse communities. I invite everyone to join us in celebrating IDPWD and use the opportunity to get involved, reflect on the experiences of disabled people, and think about what we can all do to be an ally to, and advocate for, the disabled community."

During the event Northants Police will be raising awareness around fraud in the context of the cost-of-living crisis, and Northampton’s inclusive and accessible dance school, Born To Perform, will be adding their brand of magic and joy to the celebration.

Cllr Alan Chantler, Co-Chair of the forum said: “As a person in a wheelchair, my handicap is apparent. But it may be someone finds it difficult to form sentences in their head, or finds it difficult to write things down and has to remember everything all the time.

"But I think it is important that we always focus on what we can do and not what we can’t do.

"That’s the same if you are handicapped or not. Disability isn’t going away and what we can all do is be aware of the wide range of abilities people have and concentrate on the skills they have, not those that are absent."

The event will be available to watch via the council’s YouTube channel, and WNC is also inviting people to enjoy the event collectively in person during free live screenings with refreshments in Northampton, Daventry and Towcester.