THE LEVERHULME GRAND PRIX CYCLE RACE
NEW CHAMPIONS MAKING WIRRAL AUTISM FRIENDLY
IN BRIEF
THE LEVERHULME GRAND PRIX CYCLE RACE
NEW CHAMPIONS MAKING WIRRAL AUTISM FRIENDLY
The Wirral will play host to high-class professional cycle racing for the first time in over half a century .
The Leverhulme Grand Prix will see over 100 cyclists compete in a series of races in Birkenhead Park . Apart from the elite racing , there will be races to suit a range of different levels as well as events for women and juniors .
The Wirral has a distinguished history of staging professional cycle racing with Wallasey a regular venue until the 1960s , while New Brighton once held the World Championships as far back as 1922 .
The event is the brainchild of Pedalare , a Wirral organisation that promotes cycling as a healthy leisure pursuit . It has teamed up with Birkenhead North End Cycling Club and British Cycling to bring the event to the area .
Leverhulme Estates has come on board as the principal sponsor . Other sponsors include The Bike Factory , Bikeline and Arrivee Performance Clothing .
Frank Field , MP for Birkenhead , said : “ What a stunning example of how to bring together cycling , entertainment , and education to help children in Birkenhead develop their creativity and remain active .”
Andy Mills , a Director of Pedalare , said : “ We are hugely excited to be bringing top-class professional cycling back to the Wirral after a gap of over 50 years . While the elite racing will be a particular highlight of the day , we have ensured that many other categories of cyclists are able to participate too , including a paracycling race and family ride at the end of the race programme .”
In addition to the cycling , several independent businesses , including food and drink , have agreed to take stalls at the event which takes place on Sunday , July 22 . Race headquarters will be Birkenhead Park Rugby Club and the races will start and finish in the Upper Park from 9.30-4.30 . The total prize fund of over £ 2,500 has already attracted racers from across the UK , including the Isle of Wight .
Organisations across the Wirral were presented with their Autism Charter certificate this week , after working with Autism Together to become Autism Champions .
The charter , written by people on the autism spectrum , asks organisations to train their staff in autism awareness and make their venues more autism friendly by making small changes , such as introducing clearer signage . Once the charter is signed , they become official members of the Autism Champions scheme .
More than 40 organisations across the Merseyside region have now signed the charter and joined the scheme , with more than 1700 employees having autism awareness training . Members of the new scheme include Wirral MENCAP , the Hive Youth Zone , based in Birkenhead , and Progress to Excellence .
Yvonne Crowhurst , head of Autism Together ’ s Autism Training and Advisory Service , who heads up the Champions scheme said : “ Presenting our new Champions their certificates was a great moment after months of hard work from all involved . The response to Autism Together ’ s request for greater accessibility and acceptability increases for those on the autistic spectrum has been overwhelming . Organisations large and small have signed up to this significant and effective venture . To say thank you seems inadequate but the knowledge that they have the capability of changing the lives of those on the autistic spectrum will , hopefully , be thanks enough as their efforts are appreciated by all those connected to autism .”
Chloe Harvey , Chief Executive of Wirral MENCAP , said : “ Accessibility and inclusion are incredibly important to us at Wirral MENCAP . As a learning disability charity we understand the importance of making reasonable adjustments to ensure people can access services and opportunities in their local community . We decided to join the Autism Champions programme to show commitment to our members and visitors with Autism and to increase the staff teams ’ knowledge , understanding and confidence in supporting people with autism ”.
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