Still going strong: Hogan Lovells renews support for British Paralympic Association and launches 2021 Nicholas Cheffings Para Athlete Bursary

As the Official Legal Services Provider to the BPA since 2013, Hogan Lovells will continue to provide legal support to the organisation across all areas.

Hogan Lovells and the BPA have enjoyed a long-standing relationship since before the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Throughout this period, the global law firm has provided the BPA with legal advice, secondments - including in-Games legal support and volunteers, supporting the ParalympicsGB team to achieve historic performances at London 2012, Sochi 2014, Rio 2016 and PyeongChang 2018.

In recent months, the firm has provided critical support to the BPA on the impact of COVID-19 and the rescheduling of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games, including advice and guidance on contracts, competition qualification and financing.

Global Managing Partner for Diversity & Inclusion, and Responsible Business, Susan Bright, said: “We share the BPA’s vision to inspire a better world for people with disabilities and are proud of the work we have done to support its mission to make the UK the leading Paralympic nation.

“Through renewing our commitment to supporting the Paralympic movement and investing in these truly inspirational Para athletes we recognise the power of Paralympic sport and the impact it can have in challenging perceptions of disability in wider society.”

To mark the continuation of Hogan Lovells’ support to the BPA, applications for the 2021 Nicholas Cheffings Para Athlete Bursary have opened today.

Now in its fourth year, the bursary will support Para athletes in the run-up to the re-scheduled Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games and Beijing 2022 Winter Games.

Mike Sharrock, Chief Executive of the BPA, said: “I’m delighted that the BPA can continue to work in close partnership with Hogan Lovells as we prepare for Tokyo 2020 and beyond. The services Hogan Lovells provide are a vital part of the BPA’s operational success and their expertise and advice on all legal matters is greatly valued.

“I am equally thrilled that British Para athletes will once again have the opportunity to benefit directly from our partnership through the Nicholas Cheffings Para Athlete Bursary, which, alongside the work Hogan Lovells undertakes for the BPA, underlines their commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

Paralympians and aspiring Paralympians recognised by the BPA and their National Governing Body can apply for one-off bursaries to help with any aspect of their sporting development, such as purchasing or replacing vital equipment, paying for travel to training camps and competitions, or additional coaching and training support services.

2020 bursary recipient Megan Shackleton commented: “I’ve dreamt of representing my country on the big stage since I was eight or nine years old. Thanks to the bursary from Hogan Lovells I was able to buy myself the gym equipment I needed for my home training during lockdown, and it helped my Zoom strength & conditioning sessions immensely. That way I was able to stay motivated and in the best possible shape until we could return to training. I’m really excited to see what the next couple of months brings as we build up to Tokyo, and I’m so excited and grateful to have the support of Hogan Lovells along the way!”

In addition to supporting the bursary recipients, Hogan Lovells continues to support their ambassador and Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth champion Ollie Hynd MBE. To date, in addition to providing legal services through its longstanding value-in-kind partnership with the BPA, the firm has invested over £100,000 directly in British Para athletes.

Athletes can apply for the Nicholas Cheffings Para Athlete Bursary here. The deadline for 2021 bursary applications is 8 January 2020 (https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/british-paralympic-association).