MORE than 250 exhibitors, including a blind water and land speed world record holder, are set to descend on Walton Gardens for the 25th Disability Awareness Day.

Mike Newman, six-time Guinness World Record holder and the fastest blind man on the planet on land and water, will be one of hundreds of exhibitors at the Warrington Disability Partnership event.

His charity Speed of Site, which provides motor sport experiences for disabled people, will be at DAD 25 alongside equipment, transports, holidays, leisure and employment providers.

Disabled arts performers will also be in attendance, with acts including Carly Ryan, Ella Together Performance Group and the Warrington British Sign Language Signing Choir as well as dance troupes, guide dog displays and falconry.

Sporty event-goers can try their hand at scuba diving, wheelchair basketball, shooting, curling, martial arts, accessible rugby, dance and golf.

WDP cofounder and chief executive Dave Thompson said: “The backstory to DAD is a great example of just how far a can do attitude can take you.

“What started out in 1992 as a one-off event is now the highlight of the international disabled community’s calendar – inspiring similar events as far afield as India and Cameron.

“There is no greater satisfaction for me than seeing a DAD’s army of volunteers coming together to support people to enjoy and access our week-long programme of events, all of which are about awareness-raising, celebrating diversity and promoting independent living.”

A free, accessible park and ride service will be available every 30 minutes from 10am from Wilderspool Park and Warrington Bus Interchange.

The big day takes place on Sunday July 10 between 10am-5pm – for more information call 240064.

Keep an eye out in next week’s Warrington Guardian for a look back on the event’s humble origins with Dave.