Be Part Of It Next Phase Of Firm's Don’t Quit, Do It Campaign

National law firm Irwin Mitchell, today launches a brand new campaign to celebrate the skill and ability in disability sport and is calling on everyone to pledge to Be Part Of It.

For every pledge they receive, Irwin Mitchell will donate £1 to help support disability sport and make a difference to the people who play it, watch it and support it.

Multiple-medal-winning Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft MBE and England international amputee footballer Ray Westbrook are both proudly backing the campaign which aims to see more of the 12 million disabled people in the country playing inclusive sport.

This year Irwin Mitchell is the Official Legal Services Provider of the World Para Athletics Championships being held at the London Stadium, home to many special memories from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The firm is also sponsoring Parallel London and Superhero Series and these three inclusive events are only possible thanks to the support of the volunteers, participants and charities the campaign aims to celebrate.

Stuart Henderson, Managing Partner of the personal injury team at Irwin Mitchell, said:

Expert Opinion

“With the World Para Athletics Championships taking place before the IAAF World Championships it’s a chance for disability sport to take centre stage, and our new Be Part Of It campaign is all about highlighting those who are already involved and attracting a new audience by showcasing the amazing skills and stories.

“For every pledge we receive, we’re committed to donating £1 to help disability sport, so the more pledges we receive, the more we can do to help make disability sport possible up and down the country.” Stuart Henderson - Partner

The pledges can be something you already do, something you really want to, or something you never thought you could do.

If you work as a volunteer at a disability sports team or you help support a club through your day job then that can be your pledge right there. If you take your child training, regularly watch your local disability side or you play yourself, then you can show how you are part of it by pledging today.

The law firm also wants to attract a new audience to disability sport, and are looking for people who aren’t currently involved, to pledge to Be Part Of It, in whatever way they can.

Hannah Cockroft, MBE is a proud ambassador of Be Part Of It and is keen to promote the many benefits of disability sport and encourage more people to play it, watch it or support it.

"Disability sport doesn’t always get the coverage it deserves so it’s great to be able to promote the many reasons why it’s so much fun and fantastic to be a part of.

"Without players, supporters and volunteers there would be no wheelchair racing or any other disability sport for thousands of people to enjoy not just in this country but all over the world."

"We want you to pledge your support for disability sport and tell us how you’re going to get involved – together we can make an amazing difference."

England and Portsmouth Amputee Football Club captain Ray Westbrook lost his leg through cancer when he was 14 and thought he’d never kick a ball again before amputee football gave him a second chance to play the beautiful game.

A growing number of amputees are turning to football to help with their rehabilitation and recovery following a serious injury or illness and Ray wants to see more people play, watch and support a sport that showcases teamwork, skill and determination.

He said: “People said ‘he wouldn't be able to do this and do that’ but I have proved them wrong and the adrenaline rush when I play amputee football has made all the hard work worthwhile.

“I’m proud to be an ambassador for Be Part Of It and I’m urging everyone to support disability sport and pledge to try a new sport, watch a new sport or support one in any way you can.

“I helped to set up our team in Portsmouth and know the work people put in to give us the chance to play football again and train as a team together. If we get more people of all ages and abilities interested then there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.”

You can make a pledge here and find out more about Be Part Of It and Irwin Mitchell’s Don’t Quit, Do It campaign.