ECT Charity is incredibly proud to have played a part in such an inspirational event. The demand-led service provided transport for over 1,300 spectators with mobility difficulties including wheelchair users from Stratford Regional station to various stops around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as well as for Lea Valley athletics. A team of dedicated service controllers were posted at every stop, managing the demand responsive service to ensure that it met the needs of spectators arriving and leaving each event.
For able-bodied people, the 20-30 minute walk from the station to the venues is a pleasant stroll, but for those with disabilities, and their carers, it presents a difficult journey. The service provided by ECT helped ensure this journey was easy, making the Invictus Games an accessible event for all.
Christopher Hawkings, shuttle bus passenger, commented: “We took my son who uses a wheelchair to the Invictus Games. The shuttle service from Stratford station was very efficient and all the staff we met were helpful and cheerful. It made what could have been a difficult journey so simple. We were very grateful for the service and would like to thank everyone involved.”
Paul Hurley, ECT driver, commented:“Some of the athletes travelled on our buses when supporting their team mates. It was fantastic for us to have met the Warriors themselves knowing that these Games will have made a real difference to their lives. You can’t help but be proud to be involved. Spotting Prince Harry on his bike was of course a highlight”
Anna Whitty, Chief Executive of ECT Charity, commented: “We are immensely proud of the success of our work for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, which helped to make the 2012 Games the most accessible ever. ECT Charity was therefore very well placed to provide accessible transport for the Invictus Games and we were honoured to play a part in an event that creates opportunities for armed forces personnel who have been seriously wounded and injured. We were very proud to be part of the Invictus family.”
She continued: “Our organisation exists to ensure that those people who fall through the gaps of existing transport services are able to get out and about and visit inspiring events like these. ECT’s high-quality accessible transport allowed people with disabilities to attend an event that is extremely close to their hearts, giving them an opportunity to learn from and support those ex-service personnel who are inspiring recovery and generating a wider understanding of disability.”
