To improve the matchday experience for disabled fans, Exeter City have recently installed grab rails at the back of the WTS stand and raised funds towards their “Breaking Wind at the Park” project. Grab Rails
During the close season, Exeter City DSA were approached by season ticket holder Martin Robertson who sits a few rows from the back of the WTS stand.
Martin explains, “I’m not so steady on my feet these days and use a walking stick due to arthritis in all my joints and I’m finding that my mobility is becoming a challenge on a daily basis.
At the back of the WTS stand nearest to the Big Bank is an entrance door that leads to the hospitality facilities. Just inside this door is a disabled (sic) toilet and when nature calls, usually at half time, this facility helps me greatly. I was finding it more and more difficult to get through the door and back to my seat safely and thought that if a couple of grab rails were erected either side of the entrance then this would make things much safer for myself and others.
I’m delighted that ECDSA have acted quickly by supplying and arranging with the club to get these grab rails fitted in time for the start of the new season”.
Nick Saunders – ECDSA chairman said “This is a great example of how we at ECDSA can improve the match day experience for all disabled fans. On this occasion the cost was small but the benefit of a safer passage for Martin and others to and from their seat has been huge”.
If you think ECDSA can help you in any way and could help improve your match day experience, please get in touch by email to ecfcdsa@gmail.com.
Breaking Wind at the Park Project
Despite a modest crowd of 2,771 at the Mansfield home game on 6th September 2014, a bucket collection held at Exeter City raised an impressive £269.74. Monies raised from this year’s bucket collection will be used to provide further windbreak protection for wheelchair users, using areas 6 & 7 in front of the Big Bank. The windbreak can also double as an advertising board.
There are still a number of other bays around the ground which could benefit from a windbreak so there is still an opportunity for other companies to come forward. If you are interested and would like to help, then get in touch with the Exeter City commercial team by email: commercial@exetercityfc.co.uk or telephone 01392 411 243.
Article originally appeared on the Exeter City DSA website.