Badminton Horse Trials is to become the first international sporting event to provide day care provision for disabled visitors.
The charity Hop Skip and Jump is launching its “care at the event” facility at this year’s horse trials (7-10 May) in Gloucestershire.
In a marquee next to the disabled car park the charity’s trained staff will welcome and care for visitors of all ages whatever their disability.
The dressage, cross-country and showjumping phases will be shown on a screen and there will be a range of activities organised.
“It is our wish for families who care for all those with a disability to be given the opportunity to enjoy a special day out at Badminton,” said Celia Carter, chairman of Hop Skip and Jump.
“Our staff will help provide hours of fun and laughter, while the family are free to walk the course, watch the showjumping and dressage as well as visit the shops,” she added.
Badminton event director Hugh Thomas added: “We were very excited when Hop Skip and Jump approached us. To make our event more accessible to disabled and disadvantaged people and above all their carers is a great step forward.”
The “care at the event” facility will be open from Thursday 7 May to Saturday 9 May from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday 10 from 10am-4pm.
Reservations can be made in advance by emailing: office@hopskipandjump.org.uk or by telephone on 01453 836390.
“Care at the event” has been developed from “care in the high street”, an initiative to provide respite care in centrally located spaces including shopping centres and football stadiums.
This year Hop Skip and Jump is opening three new “care in the high street” centres in Cardiff, Horsham and Wigan.
For more information visit: www.hopskipandjump.org.uk
