Vina Madhavji, our employment solicitor shares powerful short films by Paralympic athletes that show how through courage and determination stereotypes can be destroyed and obstacles overcome.

The first short film is  ‘Rise’ and features  para athlete Aya Abbas from Egypt.

The second short film is ‘Fearless’ featuring para athlete David Behre from Germany.

The third  film is ‘Lionheart’ featuring para athlete Richard Whitehead from the UK.

UN resolution A/RES/67/296  talks about the role of sport in building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal.

The resolution recognises the role that the International Olympic Committee plays “ in placing sport at the service of humankind and in promoting a peaceful society and healthy lifestyles by associating sport with culture and education and safeguarding human dignity without any discrimination whatsoever..”

UN resolution A/RES/67/296  further recognises the role that the International Paralympic Committee plays “ in showcasing the achievements of athletes with an impairment to a global audience and in acting as a primary vehicle to change societal perceptions of disability sport…”

A full text of the resolution can be found here.

Applications for Sports visa’s from the UK remain open

If you are in the UK with valid leave to remain you may be able to switch  from your current visa to a sports visa.

To be eligible for a Tier 2 ( Sportsperson) visa you will need to meet various requirements including  evidencing the following:-

• that you have a licensed sponsor who will employ you in the UK
• that you are at least 16 years old and can  speak English
• that you have enough money to pay for your stay in the UK (£945.00) You will not need this money if you have either a: fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor who can give you at least £945 to cover your costs for a month if you need it (your sponsor must confirm this on the certificate of sponsorship) or you are in the UK on a Tier 2 visa already
• show that you  own no more than 10% of shares in your sponsor’s limited company, unless you will earn at least £159,600 per year

The Home Office are still accepting applications under this route although visa application centres for the provision of biometrics are closed. As at today’s date the Home Office online portal provides the following notice:-

“Coronavirus (COVID-19): Disruption to this service

Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the worldwide border, travel and public health restrictions our appointment locations are temporarily closed. You should complete your application and any further actions as usual. Your application will not be affected by the centres closing.

It is not possible to offer a Priority or Super Priority service, do not choose these services when you apply.”

If you would like further advice on applying for a Sports visa please contact our  Employment and Immigration solicitor Vina Madhavji on on 01254 31 12 82 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you.