Disability is not a limitation; it’s a perspective that can reshape cultures, strengthen teams, and drive innovation in the workplace.
What an incredible morning at our 28 for 28 Networking Breakfast, kindly hosted by the British Paralympic Association at their offices in central London. A huge thank you to Dave Clarke, PGB CEO, who opened the event with an inspirational insight into his own experiences.
Conversations That Matter
The discussions were honest, powerful, and rooted in truly listening to lived experience. Our guests heard firsthand how disability is not a limitation; it’s a perspective that can reshape cultures, strengthen teams, and drive innovation in the workplace.
What Our Guests Said
“Each GBWR event is an opportunity to hear from inspirational people. This panel delivered on this together with an education on disability advocacy beyond rugby that inspired me to take immediate action in my own workplace.” – Anonymous
“The panel discussion gave us all food for thought on what we can do to make our workplace more inclusive. I am so grateful for the panellists to have been so candid in sharing their stories and experiences, because this will allow us all to take action and make a real difference.” – Steph Kovatchev, The Hartford
“Brilliantly organised — and a genuine eye-opener.” – Patrick Brandt, Team Travel Management
One message came through loud and clear:
If we want to break down barriers in the workplace for people with disabilities, we must start by avoiding assumptions, asking questions, and actively listening.
Beyond the Sport
Wheelchair rugby gives us a unique lens on high performance, resilience, and teamwork. But beyond the sport, it challenges assumptions about disability and highlights what’s possible when people are valued for their strengths.
Thank You to Our Hosts and Panellists
A huge thank you to our host and GBWR ambassador Shaunagh Brown, who guided the conversation brilliantly, and to our incredible panellists who shared insight, honesty, and lived experience:
Andy Barrow – Triple Paralympian, Former GB Captain & GBWR Board Member
Imogen Steel – London Wheelchair Rugby Athlete & Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Contact
Adam Simmons – Competition Manager, GBWR; Chair & Coach, West Country Hawks
Our Partners Driving Inclusion
We are proud to work with our 28 for 28 partners, whose commitment is helping us grow the sport and push disability inclusion forward:
Allied Mobility, Ascot, Blatchford, Canterbury, England Rugby, Get Kids Going!, LMAX, OS Studios, RFU Injured Players Foundation, RGK, Science in Sport, Team Travel Management, The Hartford, and Tokio Marine Kiln.
Your support is not only strengthening wheelchair rugby but also helping us create a more inclusive future for everyone involved in our community.
Join the Movement
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared, listened, and committed to taking these conversations back into their organisations. Inclusion isn’t a tick-box; it’s a culture we build together.
- Let’s keep listening.
- Let’s keep challenging perceptions.
- Let’s keep creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.
If you would like to join us for these exclusive events, please contact Mandip Sehmi, GBWR Partnership Lead, for more information on joining our 28 for 28 Partnership community.
