Racedays at Pontefract Racecourse is accredited as a National Autistic Society’s
‘Autism Friendly Venue’
Pontefract Racecourse has become the first and only Racecourse in the country to have its Racedays accredited by the National Autistic Society as ‘Autism Friendly’.
Earlier in the year, the Racecourse announced that they would be working with Autism in Racing, a not for profit Community Interest Company, to ensure that they were the first Racecourse in the country to host Autism in Racing Racedays on every day, and their continued commitment to making the Racedays fully accessible to autistic racegoers has secured them the National Autistic Society’s Autism Friendly award.
Bobby Beevers, Chair and Founder of Autism in Racing is delighted that the Racecourse has been recognised by the NAS:
“This is fantastic news and a brilliant achievement for the whole team at Pontefract who have continued to make such huge strides to ensure that racing there is as accessible as possible.’
Jo Pointer, Customer Relations Officer for the National Autistic Society said:
‘Congratulations on achieving this award and the commitment to making your service accessible to autistic people. Your application confirms that you meet the expected standards to achieve the Autism Friendly Award. You are doing a considerable amount to make Pontefract Racecourse autism friendly for autistic people, particularly with the combination of sensory room and quiet room as well as using autistic employees to provide a form of peer support. We look forward to working with Pontefract in the future.’
Richard Hammill, Chief Operating Officer for Pontefract Racecourse said:
‘We are absolutely delighted that our Racedays have been given the National Autistic Society’s accreditation for an Autism Friendly venue. Raising awareness of Autism and playing our part in enabling the Racing Industry to be more inclusive is hugely important to us all at Pontefract. We look forward to continuing to provide an accessible venue for all customers and welcoming autistic racegoers and their families.’ The Racecourse has been working in conjunction with their ticketing provider, Future Ticketing, who have provided valuable funding to enable the initiative to take place every day.
Hammill continued:
‘We could not have achieved this accreditation without the help of Future Ticketing. Their support is invaluable and we are hugely grateful to them to partner with us on this project.’
Ann Marie Guinan, Chief Marketing Officer of Future Ticketing, was excited that Future Ticketing could be part of the venture:
‘Future Ticketing are extremely proud to work with Pontefract Races on this project. Racing is an inclusive and accessible sport and we are delighted that we can enable further attendance and an Autism friendly experience to racegoers at Ponte.’
As part of their Autism Friendly racedays, the Racecourse and Future Ticketing provide designated quiet and safe spaces for autistic Racegoers, with complimentary soft drinks and biscuits. In addition, there is a dedicated sensory room, provided by Immersive, at every race meeting. At selected race meetings, there is also an art workshop hosted by autistic artist, James Owen Thomas.
William Buick, champion jockey and Ambassador for Autism in Racing said:
“I congratulate Pontefract for their commitment to Autism Friendly racedays. My family has first hand experience of autism and as an Ambassador for Autism in Racing I welcome the way racecourses are embracing the concept.”
Any racegoers wishing to apply for places at any Autism in Racing fixture should visit the Autism in Racing website at www.autisminracing.com
