GREY skies and showers failed to dampen spirits as an estimated 20,000 people visited the 33rd Disability Awareness Day at Walton Hall & Gardens.
The spectactular event, the largest voluntary led event of its kind, was the culmination of a week long of activities raising awareness about disability, co-ordinated and led by founder Dave Thompson and a huge team of volunteers.
Headline sponsors were again Expanse Learning Group and the North West’s water supplier United Utilities, who both pledged to conitnue supporting the event, which is already scheduled to take place again on Sunday July 13 next year.
Dave Thompson and headline sponsors with Town Crier AJ Powell
The aim of this year’s event was to promote independent living through the theme “It’s what disabled people can do that matters”.
DAD 2024 exhibitors highlighted solutions supporting independent living and mobility, with equipment, products, transport, employment, education, training, health and social care, leisure activities, alongside over 100 charities/support groups.
Most of this year’s Disability Awareness Day exhibitors were housed in a huge, tented village of marquees, supported by; an extended Sports Zone, a Main Arena, a huge Performing Arts Marquee, two further Arts Marquees for art and crafts, a Silent Disco, a children’s fun fair and play areas.
Vistitors could “have a go” at sports activities including Tennis, American Football, Snooker, Rugby League, Martial Arts, Tai Chi, PowerChair Football, CrossFit and Scuba Diving in the on-site pool.
Disability Awareness Day 2024 was the finale of a week of complementary events that included:
• Tuesday evening: Creating Adventures “Greatest Show” with a wide range of variety acts.
• Wednesday daytime: Merseycare NHS Trust “Ignite Your Life”, mental health and wellbeing festival.
• Wednesday evening: Ella Together “Summertime Special”, a showcase of talented entertainers.
• Thursday daytime: Warrington Carers Hub “Wellbeing Festival”.
• Thursday afternoon and evening: “Party in the Park” for disabled children, young disabled people and young carers.
• Friday evening: “Bjorn to be Abba”, the UK’s leading Abba tribute band.
Thanking sponsors and volunteers Dave Thompson, CEO of Warrington Disability Partnership, said: “We simply couldn’t do it with out you all!”
Dave the the team will be now busy planning and preparing for next year’s event!
The Healthwatch Warrington team
@warringtonworldwide #DAD2024 #disability #disabilityawareness #warrington @Disability Partnership @DAD #unitedutilities @United Utilities ♬ original sound – warringtonworldwide
CLICK on the banner for more pictures
Great to attend #DAD2024 & meet some of the amazing organisations, projects & people supported across Warrington South.
The pan disability event promotes a can do culture on what disabled people CAN do.
Huge thank you to @Davet21 and the @WDPcomms team for all their hard work pic.twitter.com/KTeTEj0uCN
— Sarah Hall MP (@Sarah_Hall81) July 14, 2024
