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It’s been a fantastic time at Purple Goat Agency, with a lot of exciting media attention, especially in the marketing and advertising trade world. We’re proud to see the spotlight on disability representation grow, particularly as the Paralympics continue to inspire brands to rethink their approach to inclusivity. 🚀 Our very own Dom Hyams was featured on BBC Radio 4’s Money Programme early yesterday morning, discussing the incredible business and brand opportunities emerging from the Paralympics in Paris. The Games have been a true spectacle, and Dom highlighted how brands can leverage this moment for long-term growth rather than seeing it as a one-off, tokenistic opportunity. 🎙️ I was also recently a guest on the MadTech podcast by ExchangeWire, where I had the chance to share the founding story of Purple Goat, the massive opportunity for disability representation in marketing and advertising, and how brands can make a real impact beyond the Paralympics—even if they weren’t directly involved with the games. There’s a longer-term play here, and the potential is huge! 📢 You can listen to the full podcast on this link https://lnkd.in/eS38DZdB to hear more about the opportunities for inclusive marketing. And if you're a brand interested in exploring how to better represent the disabled community, get in touch with us at Purple Goat. There’s never been a better time to lead the change! Alt text - Image featuring Martyn Sibley (left) and Dom Hyams (right) positioned in front of a Paralympic track scene. In the background, an athlete is seen running in a competitive race inside a stadium filled with spectators. Martyn is smiling and wearing a plaid shirt, while Dom is looking at the camera, wearing a black shirt and a cap. Image credit - Media Leader article we were also featured in https://lnkd.in/ek9JhwT9 Big thanks to Sakariye Ali at Propeller Group and Amanda Stocking at GroupM for helping secure these opportunities 💜 #PurpleGoat #DisabilityRepresentation #InclusiveMarketing #Paralympics #MediaSpotlight #BusinessOpportunity #Marketing #Advertising

🚨 The Fight for Calvert Exmoor Continues – Let’s Champion Inclusion Together! 🚨 As we approach the start of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the world’s attention turns to the incredible achievements of athletes who have overcome tremendous challenges to reach the pinnacle of their sports. These games are more than just a competition—they are a powerful reminder of what people with disabilities can achieve when they are given the opportunity to thrive. But for every athlete on the world stage, there are countless others who seek similar opportunities to push their limits, explore their potential, and feel the thrill of adventure. For many, Calvert Exmoor has been that gateway to possibility. At Calvert Exmoor, we’ve spent nearly three decades providing transformative experiences for individuals with physical, sensory, behavioural, and learning disabilities. From adaptive sports to outdoor adventures, we offer a safe and supportive environment where our guests can explore new horizons. Many young people watching the Paralympics will be inspired by the athletes they see and may look to Calvert Exmoor as a place where they, too, can challenge themselves and grow. Yet, as we face an urgent crisis, I find myself in an incredibly difficult position. Due to a COVID infection, I’m having to work remotely to protect our vulnerable guests and dedicated staff. It’s a strange and frustrating feeling to be away from the centre during such a critical time, but my commitment to saving Calvert Exmoor is stronger than ever. Without immediate support, we risk losing everything we’ve worked so hard to build. Our guests—many of whom draw strength and confidence from the adventures they experience here—could lose their sanctuary. Our staff, who pour their hearts into making every visit special, could lose their livelihoods. And those inspired by the Paralympics may lose the opportunity to turn that inspiration into action. To keep our doors open, we urgently need to raise £500,000 by August 31st, 2024. This is where you come in. Here’s how you can help: 😱 Share Our Story: Use your network to spread the word about our campaign. Every share helps us reach more people. 🤺 Get Involved: If you have media contacts, crowdfunding experience, or can connect us with potential donors, please reach out. 🚴♂️ Inspire Others: Share your experiences with Calvert Exmoor or with adaptive sports and adventure. Your story could inspire someone to contribute. Together, we can ensure that Calvert Exmoor remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for those who need it most. Let’s harness the spirit of the Paralympics and champion inclusion and adventure for all. Thank you for your continued support. https://lnkd.in/eVgGa9xn #SaveCalvertExmoor #Paralympics2024 #DisabilityInclusion #AdaptiveSports #CommunitySupport

The Vital Connection Between Grassroots Sports and the Olympics As we look back and marvel at the incredible achievements from the athletes in the Olympics and the Paralympics, it makes me think about the foundation upon which these champions are built: grassroots sports, family love and community support. Behind every Olympian, there's a story of local coaches, community centres, family sacrifices, and a network of unwavering support. I loved seeing the coaches, families and support team on the sidelines cheering on their athlete - their proud faces win or lose, brings me such joy and hope. At WeAre8, we are dedicated to fostering grassroots sports and strengthening communities. We recognise that true athletic talent and community spirit begin at the local level, where young athletes first encounter the encouragement and resources they need to thrive. By supporting grassroots programs by giving them a safe social home, we empower individuals to pursue their passions, build their skills, and connect with their communities. Our commitment goes beyond mere partnerships; we actively promote the development of local sports initiatives, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to shine and that communities grow stronger together. Grassroots sports serve as the bedrock of growth for young people. It provides young athletes with the opportunities to discover their passions, develop their skills, and cultivate the discipline necessary to compete at the highest levels. These local programs are where dreams take root, where the first sparks of talent are nurtured, and where the Olympic journey truly begins. Communities play an indispensable role in this process. They offer the infrastructure, encouragement, and financial support needed for budding athletes to thrive. By investing in local sports facilities, supporting youth leagues, and celebrating the successes of our young athletes, we create an environment where talent can flourish. In the same way we cheered for our favourite Olympians, let's also recognise, celebrate and support the grassroots programs and community initiatives that make their success possible. By doing so, we ensure a vibrant future for sports and continue to inspire the next generation of champions. #Olympics #GrassrootsSports #CommunitySupport #FutureChampions #thepeoplesplatform #weare8 #unite #lovenohate

What’s is Snowball??…so far it is… Winner Best Digital and Tech Award 2023 Top 10 Most Influential People 2023 Winner Santander X National Award 2023 Winner Santander Global Award 2024 Winner Leicestershire Innovation Award 2024 Finalist British Diversity Award 2024 Nominated Business Success Awards 2024 Nominated Entrepreneur of Excellence Award, National Diversity Awards 2024. It’s been a cracking 6 months for Snowball. What is Snowball? Snowball Community (known as Snowball) a revolutionary accessibility national and global ward winning app just over a year old and is now the biggest, most used disability app in the world, the app asks disabled people to rate services and businesses by how disability-friendly they are.   Users of the app can find a restaurant, tourist attraction, supermarket or coffee shop that is accessible by selecting their location, wherever they are in the world. User can also add place that are not on the Snowball app and leave a review and they have done so by adding tens of thousands of places including changing places and accessible toilet. The best part of the app is that it is supported by Google Maps and if you need to find a place your phone will use Google Maps to guide you there. There is nothing like Snowball on the market.   Disabled travelers and locals can add venues they have found welcoming and accessible for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and sensory issues. The more people that add suggestions the bigger the app grows - like a snowball. Snowball is the brainchild of wheelchair-user and founder Simon Sansome. He says: “The app will give people the confidence to socialise with ease as they will be able to see what facilities and venues are available in their immediate location. They will also be able to plan days out, giving people more freedom to access their communities, explore and travel with confidence.”   Simon, 42, a former council worker and rugby player, from Leicester, became paralysed from the waist down following a sudden injury in 2014. After a year of recovery, he took his wife to their favourite local restaurant only to realise there was no wheelchair access.   Simon set up the Facebook page Snowball Community to highlight good and bad examples of accessibility. It quickly gained 100,000 followers.   Team GB Paralympic gold medalists Hannah Cockroft OBE and Aaron Phipps MBE have welcomed Snowball and are the Brand Ambassadors. It is also producing data that now other business can collect and advise local authorities and governments where infrastructure is needed. Uer of the app can find blue badge bays in different cities, toilets, places to eat and much more. On top of all this Snowball is launching a National disability membership scheme where Snowball Assessors will visit businesses and rate them from 1 to 5 system similar to a food health hygiene certificate but for access. All details can be found here https://lnkd.in/enstw4GC

Morning folks 🌞 The Paralympics 2024 have started and to celebrate, the Neurodiversity & Disability Network at IPG Mediabrands UK were delighted to invite in Wendy Smith PLY, former GB Paralympian for a fireside chat. 🙌 So what did I takeaway? ◾ Firstly, Wendy Smith PLY you are absolutely amazing! (Fan girl moment) ◾ A reminder to live life intentionally rather than on auto-pilot. Do you remember which shoe you put on first this morning? (I had no idea yesterday, but today I did in fact go for the left shoe first 👟) ◾ Understanding that we are both the problem and the solution in our own lives. ◾ The power of positivity: our human system will respond well to a positive mindset. ◾ We're built up of learned experiences, don't be afraid to ask questions. Lastly, a huge shoutout to my fab colleague Anshul Karia for hosting the conversation, you smashed it! 👏

🎈 Walking Pet Balloons step up to sponsor the All-Stars: Crawley AFC, a leader in Women's and Girls' Football, is thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership with Walking Pet Balloons, a renowned provider of innovative and engaging balloons for children. This collaboration aims to support the Crawley AFC All-Stars, an inspiring initiative designed to empower girls aged 5 - 9 years with a pathway into women's football, fostering growth, confidence, and a love for the game. Walking Pet Balloons, known for bringing joy and smiles to children with their lifelike pet balloons, is stepping into the world of sports to support young female athletes. Their commitment to the Crawley AFC All-Stars underscores a shared vision with The All-Stars: to inspire, motivate, and encourage young girls to pursue their passions and dreams. Empowering Young Athletes The partnership will see Walking Pet Balloons and the All-Stars collaborate on various initiatives aimed at enhancing the footballing experience for the young Crawley AFC All-Stars. This includes sponsoring football kits, organizing exclusive events, and providing resources to ensure the best possible environment for the girls to learn and grow in the sport. A Step Closer to Women's Football This initiative represents a significant step forward in promoting women's football at the grassroots level. By creating more opportunities and providing support for young girls in the sport, Crawley AFC and Walking Pet Balloons are contributing to a brighter future for women's football. Mark Graves, All-Stars manager, said: "It's easy for companies to sponsor teams when they see their names all over social media playing in big, important matches. But it makes a massive difference to the girls at their foundation stage training to know a company believes in them as much as the club and coaches do." Graves continued: "As the All-Stars Manager, I am also really excited and proud to be able to say we provide a product that companies can see the benefit in and are happy to back us with. I can't think of many other grassroots clubs whose foundation stage has such great support and is now a dedicated sponsor." Commitment to Community and Growth Chris Minn, Club Chair of Crawley AFC, expressed excitement over the partnership, stating, "We are proud to join forces with Walking Pet Balloons to support the Crawley AFC All-Stars. This partnership aligns with our core values of community support and the belief in nurturing young talent. Together, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of these young athletes and to pave the way for the next generation of women's football stars." #crawley #partnership #allstars #girlsfootball

LGBTQIA+ representation in sports has come a long way, with the Paris Olympics setting a historic precedent. Over 190+ queer athletes proudly competed, showcasing their talent and winning medals at record levels. Not only did the Olympics witness this increase, but over 20 queer athletes also participated in the Paralympics, making these games a remarkable turning point for inclusivity and diversity in global sports. A keynote from this momentous occasion is the importance of ensuring equitable opportunities for queer athletes, especially those with disabilities. The achievements of LGBTQIA+ Olympians and Paralympians remind us that, despite systemic challenges, they can thrive if provided the right platform. 1. Equitable access to opportunities isn’t just about allowing someone to compete; it’s about offering the right tools, training, and environment. As the world witnesses more queer athletes stepping onto the international stage, it becomes crucial to address and remove the barriers for queer-abled and queer-disabled athletes that may hinder their potential. 2. Athletes with disabilities require specialized support, and when they belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, the need for inclusive infrastructure becomes even more urgent. From specialized sports equipment to accessible training environments, their path requires attention, investment, and care. 3. The queer abled and disabled athlete needs coaching that understands their disability, their identity, and how these intersect to ensure their success. This intersectional approach to coaching is critical to empowering queer athletes to reach their full potential in sports. 4. Their success isn't just a personal victory but a victory of society's ability to embrace diversity. For queer athletes to continue making strides in sports, we need more voices from all corners—governments, educational institutions, corporations, and even individuals—encouraging their participation and celebrating their wins. 5. We must foster environments where LGBTQIA+ athletes can compete without fear of discrimination, and we must ensure they receive the emotional, financial, and social support they need. This goes beyond just lip service; it’s about creating actual change through inclusive policies and practices. Sports can be a catalyst for that broader cultural shift, and it’s important for every one of us to play our part in making it happen. As India celebrates a record number of Paralympians making a mark on the global stage, I also hope to see queer Paralympians and Olympians soon represent the country with pride. The day we see an LGBTQIA+ athlete hoist the Indian flag at the Olympics or Paralympics will be a moment of triumph—not just for that athlete, but for every queer person in India. #queer #sports #olympics #paralympics #LGBTQIA+ Image credit: Them.us

In today's rapidly evolving sports landscape, the quest for financial parity between male and female athletes has never been more crucial. Sponsorship plays a pivotal role in this journey, opening doors to resources, visibility, and support that can level the playing field. #WomenInSport #FinancialParity #Sponsorship #EqualityInSports #SupportFemaleAthletes 🔗https://lnkd.in/ecqK3fTK

I hope it's okay to say this, and it's taken as intended... 😬 ...this moment of progress, while absolutely worth celebrating, also prompts a reflective question: "𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘀𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴?" The recent surge in brand investment within women's sports, including partnerships between female-focused brands and sports entities, marks a significant and long-awaited stride toward gender equality in the sports industry. ⚖️ Initiatives like the F1 Academy's collaboration with Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, Nike and Dove's "Body Confident Sport" program, Clinique's #GameFace campaign with Holly Aitchison shine a light on the evolving landscape where women's sports are finally receiving the recognition and support they deserve. Additionally, landmark deals such as Barclays' backing of the Women’s Super League, the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association)'s historic capital raise, Heineken’s UEFA Women’s League sponsorship, and the response of brands like Adidas and Nike to the Women's World Cup's popularity demonstrate the growing commercial appeal and influence of women's sports 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝘆𝗽𝗲𝗿-𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗿𝘆, 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲-𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀. It's a reminder that the recent enthusiasm for women's sports, while positive, is overdue recognition of its inherent value as a powerful platform for engagement, community building, and brand loyalty. This isn't just a triumph but a call to action for continuous support and investment, recognising the potential that was always there, waiting to be acknowledged. 👊 https://lnkd.in/eh6GPThs #sport #marketing #brand #partnerships #brandidentity #brandpurpose #sponsorship #sportsmarketing #athlete #athletemarketing #smallbusinessmarketing #startups 

Check out our next Impacts for Inclusion and the amazing Rob Kerr! Rob Kerr, the owner and Chief Constulant of JALD Sports and Entertainment, created an organization where two decades of passion and dedication in sport converge. A former sports broadcaster and advocate for change, Rob sees sports as more than just a game—it's a platform for social discourse. Where good, bad, or indifferent, forced others to have conversations about social change. While initially drawn to the "hockey is for everyone" conversation, he soon realized the complexities of true inclusion. Now, he's on a mission to educate, inspire, and empower - championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in sport. Through incredible organizations like SuperHEROS hockey, Rob fosters a welcoming space for all, learning the importance of listening and understanding along the way. For him, EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) isn't just about equal opportunities—it's about actively dismantling barriers and amplifying marginalized voices. Thank you Rob, for wanting to reshape the narrative of sports, one inclusive voice at a time. Thank you Rob for always being a champion for kids in the community! #ImpactsForInclusion #RobKerrInspires #JALDSportsAndEntertainment #SportsForSocialChange #DiversityInSport #InclusionMatters #ChampioningEDI #SuperHEROSHockey #ReshapingSportsNarrative #KidsChampion @mnpsportscentre @ymcacalgary @siksikahealth @sportcalgary @wearevecova @mrulife @ucalgary @cityofcalgary @yycrecreation @vivoyourlife @winsportcanada @genesiscentre @tsuutinacommunications Image description: An image of Rob Kerr and a hockey athlete sitting in hockey gear on the ice. The quote, "It's no longer the sport that dictates to the individual what is; its the individual that dictates to the sport what it needs." The Calgary Adapted Hub powered by Jumpstart logo is on the the bottom right.