Law Firm Backs Para Hockey Team For 2018 Season

National law firm Irwin Mitchell has announced the renewal of its partnership with disability sports team Sheffield Steelkings. 

The agreement will see the law firm sponsor the para hockey team throughout the 2018 season and forms part of Irwin Mitchell’s commitment to promoting inclusive sport through its Don’t Quit, Do It campaign.

Associate solicitor Lisa Fairclough specialises in personal injury and knows the role sport can play in helping her clients after a life changing experience.

Expert Opinion

Through our work we have seen on numerous occasions how sport has been able to help our clients with rehabilitation following serious injury.

“We believe in building strong links within the communities in which we work. The Sheffield Steelkings are a real success story and the club perfectly fits the ethos of Don’t Quit, Do It, which is all about supporting and boosting participation in disability sport.

“We are proud to be sponsoring the club once again as they continue to spread the word about the physical and social benefits of being active and we wish them a successful season.

“Para ice hockey is a fast-paced, exciting game and we would encourage people to go along and try it, or cheer on the team from the sidelines.” Lisa Fairclough - Associate Solicitor

Officially classed as the Paralympic version of ice hockey, the sport debuted at the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympic Winter Games and has grown in popularity ever since.

The rules are very similar to ice hockey, but instead of skates, players use double-blade sledges that allow the puck to pass beneath. Players also use two sticks, which have a spike-end for pushing and a blade-end for shooting.

Established in September 2014 the Sheffield Steelkings are the youngest team in the national league.

They will kick-off their 2018 season on 12 May away at Hull’s Kingston Kestrels. Their first home game at Ice Sheffield will be against Peterborough Phantoms on 3 June.

Jake Oakley, club chairman and Sheffield Steelkings player said: “We are really excited about the new season and can’t wait to take to the ice for our first competitive game.

“We’re really grateful to Irwin Mitchell for its continued support which has given all the players a boost ahead of the new season.“

Don’t Quit, Do It seeks to promote both the physical and psychological benefits of being involved in disability sports and is supported by multiple gold-medal winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE.

Sheffield Steelkings is made up of able-bodied and disabled, male and female players are the club welcomes new members to try out the sport.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's Don't Quit Do It campaign.