Centre for Access to Football

Supporting CAFE in their 10th annual Week of Action

This weekend see’s DAFC and Dunfermline Athletic Disabled Supporters Club join with football clubs from over 20 countries across Europe in supporting the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFÉ) in their 10th annual Week of Action. The purpose of the week is to promote inclusion for those with disabilities not only in football but in sport in general.

This year the club have focused on the benefit sport has on the lives of those fans who, not only attend live games, but also on those who seek to get involved themselves, as the clubs Disability Access Officer, Graham Ross explains-
“Sport can play a massive part in peoples lives and the benefits go well beyond physical health. The positive impact either taking part in or spectating in sport can have on peoples wellbeing should never be underestimated. As a club in the heart of our town we see these benefits on almost a daily basis and really want to hammer home that message to encourage others to get involved. Sharing the experiences and memories of sports helps forge lifelong friendships within our communities. You can’t put a price on how important that is, especially for those more vulnerable”

This year as part of the initiative DAFC are running two features promoting this message. One is an interview in an upcoming club programme with ardent Pars fan Stuart Shanks, a cerebral palsy sufferer from Cardenden, who never misses a home match and who speaks openly and honestly about his experiences of going to games home and away, of his love for the Pars and how important a role the club play in his week to week life.

The second feature is on the athletes of Fife Athletics who are based in Pitreavie and in particular former Woodmill High pupil Owen Miller MBE who last year won an Paralympic Gold Medal in the 1500m in Tokyo. Owen has been into East End Park and an interview with him will be shared by Pars TV over the coming week. Owen and his team mates are also attending as guests of the club and will be presented to the Pars faithful at half time in the Morton match.
DAFC are committed to doing all they can to help fans come along and enjoy matchdays at East End Park.

For assistance contact Graham at Dao@dafc.co.uk. For more information on CAFÉ’s initiative visit www.cafefootball.eu For those seeking a pathway into sport e’mail DisabilitySportFife@fifeisure.org.uk