Over 150 people have celebrated the launch of the Lincolnshire Federation of Equality Sport (LFES.) at St George’s School, Sleaford.  The launch is a milestone for equality sport in the county and of real benefit to the East Midlands region.

Photograph by John Forman- Ambleside Photographic Studio

Representing a partnership between Sport England, the Race Equality Council, the Cerebral Palsy Group, the English Federation of Disability Sport, and the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership the launch event celebrated a change in focus from disability to equality for all.

Teaming up with National Governing Bodies, District Councils, Primary Care Trusts, Voluntary organisations, Local MP’s and Sports clubs and schools from across the County, the LFES has joined together over 150 passionate people from the community to stand united in a common goal.

The key aims of the LFES are to:

• provide all services in a way that is fair to everyone
• ensure that all present and future members receive fair and equal treatment
• provide a united voice for unrepresented groups living in Lincolnshire

Sarah Teal- Chairperson of LFES commented:
“LFES provides a united voice for unrepresented groups living in Lincolnshire. Membership of LFES is open to all Lincolnshire in habitants regardless of race, culture, religion, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity or social status.”

Pledges of support for improved equality in sport; be it financial or practical have been pouring in from across the county, with North Kesteven Leisure Centre in North Hykeham one of the first.

As part of the North Kesteven Centre’s bid to raise funds for Wheel Appeal a National Challenge to raise enough money to provide 2012 sports wheelchairs to young disabled athletes by 2012, the NK centre has pledged £1,500 to LFES.

The pledge of £1,500 will ensure the Wheel Appeal funds go directly back into the county, supporting disabled athletes by providing two sports wheelchairs to a local a disability club; this in turn will enable more disabled athletes to get involved in a variety of sports from Wheelchair Basketball to Wheelchair Football.

Ian Brown- Speaking on behalf of LFES commented:
“David Elworthy- Centre Manager of NK hopes to raise £1,500 this will supply NK Disability Club with two additional sports wheelchairs. The support is much appreciated, and will really make a difference.”

To find out more about LFES, pledge support or to become a member e-mail LFES@hotmail.co.uk