Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic will host a Disability Awareness Day this weekend, to highlight some of the barriers that disabled people can face in attending live football matches.

The event has been organised in cooperation with the recently re-established Dunfermline Athletic Disabled Supporters' Club (DADSC). All supporters will receive an information leaflet when entering the stadium and the matchday programme will include information about Disability Awareness Day.

Dunfermline Athletic General Manager Michael Mlotkiewicz said, "We are constantly looking at ways to improve the matchday experience, both for our own and for visiting disabled supporters. We’re proud of what we have achieved so far, but there is still a lot to do".

Fundraising will also take place during the day, with DADSC merchandise available to purchase from a stall in the Norrie McCathie Stand, and a bucket collection will be gratefully receiving any donations.

Funds are being raised to install an external lift that would provide wheelchair access to function suites at East End Park.

Dunfermline Athletic and their opponents Hibernian will both be escorted onto the pitch by some of their clubs' disabled fans, and Dunfermline's players will wear commemorative shirts bearing the DADSC logo. These shirts will be auctioned after the match to raise additional funds.

Members of Team GB from the Rio Paralympic Games and local athletes who have participated in the Special Olympics will also be on the pitch, and disabled children from The Pars' Foundation's 'Rising Stars' programme will provide half time entertainment.

DADSC Secretary John Simpson said, "We are very grateful to DAFC, not only for what the club has done so far in improving facilities for disabled supporters, but now for this chance to show both the problems faced and the achievements of disabled people. We want all Pars and Hibs fans to see the person, not the disability".

CAFE wishes everyone at Dunfermline Athletic and DADSC a very successful event!

For further information about DADSC and Dunfermline Athletic's Disability Awareness Day, follow DADSC on Facebook here.

Published 18/10/2016