Warren Rupnarain — Disability Advocate Promotes World Cup Inclusion
June 30, 2006
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Warren Rupnarain — Disability Advocate Promotes World Cup Inclusion
The Warren’s World Accessibility Challenge will run the duration of the 2006 World Cup and wrap up with a July 10th announcement of the top 20 most accessible establishments. The daily experiences of the crew will be filmed, recorded, blogged and posted on www.warrensworld.ca.
June 30, 2006 — Warren’s World reports, The England-Sweden match of the 2006 Fifa World Cup begins with a dramatic start. One of England’s players is substituted in the first three minutes of play. And the crowd watching the game at Whistler’s is alive. Sitting at Whistler’s in the midst of what is the world’s biggest sport event, one hears at least a dozen languages between the cheers, roars and play-by-play on the big-screen TVs. But the national diversity of this soccer crowd is not what gives Whistler’s its uniqueness.
It’s the fact that this sports bar is fully wheelchair accessible. That makes all the difference for Warren Rupnarain, a 23-year old advocate for people with disabilities. “The sport of soccer unites the world, and accessibility brings all of us together,” says Warren.
Rupnarain is passionate about accessibility. He uses a motorized wheelchair as a result of cerebral palsy. He also happens to be the face, voice and personality of the March of Dimes phenomenon that promotes inclusion of the disabled in all aspects of life. And today, Rupnarain and his crew are at Whistler’s to not only enjoy the world’s most popular sport, but commence their Toronto-wide initiative that will determine the city’s top 20 most accessible sports bars.
“We’re reinforcing the message that we all want to participate,” says Rupnarain. “Sport is, indeed, everybody’s business.”
The owner and managing director of Whistler’s, Steve Mastoras, agrees. “The World Cup is for everybody, and we aim to demonstrate that our clientele with disabilities are a fundamental part of this equation,” explains Mastoras. Warren’s World crew members selected Whistler’s to launch the initiative due to the overall accessibility of the establishment. “Of course, we look at physical accessibility of entrances and washrooms. But it’s the welcoming attitude of the staff that tells us that everyone from Warren’s World is welcome,” explains Warren. “We hope that all sports bars in Toronto, indeed anywhere, demonstrate the degree of accessibility and inclusion we experience at Whistler’s.”
The Warren’s World Accessibility Challenge will run the duration of the 2006 World Cup and wrap up with a July 10th announcement of the top 20 most accessible establishments. The daily experiences of the crew will be filmed, recorded, blogged and posted on www.warrensworld.ca.
As half-time approaches in the game, England is tied with Sweden at 1-1. And the clientele at Whistler’s, disabled and able-bodied, are enjoying the game as anyone should - in a social setting that includes and welcomes everyone.