Epilepsy and Sport Project: Stand Up For Epilepsy®

The ILAE, through its Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy and in collaboration with IBE, have created this collection of images of famous sport persons photographed with children or teenagers from around the world. The photographs convey the message that celebrities have no prejudice against the disorder and that people with epilepsy can achieve their goals, lead a full and active life and engage in sports.

Too often, the stigma attached to having epilepsy can mean that those with the condition are marginalised; prevented from participating fully in life; in work; in sport. For many years the international associations representing the health professionals (ILAE, International League Against Epilepsy) and patients' organizations (IBE, International Bureau for Epilepsy) have been fighting against such prejudice by promoting several anti-discrimination campaigns.

A major cause for a reduced quality of life of people with epilepsy is the prejudice that comes with the disease, mostly due to ignorance about its nature. This prejudice is ubiquitous, but most marked in developing countries and against children. Because of prejudice, people with epilepsy are often discriminated against at school in the workplace, and they may be denied basic rights, including the ability to be actively engaged in sports.

This collection of images was launched at the London European Epilepsy Congress in 2012 in the ExCel Arena, the largest of all the 2012 Olympic venues, and will be used for promotional campaigns worldwide to eradicate prejudice and discrimination against epilepsy.

Book

For many years the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) have been fighting against stigma and prejudice by promoting several antidiscrimination campaigns. This photographic essay demonstrates that epilepsy is not a barrier to achieving one's goals. The people with epilepsy and the many athletes from around the world who volunteered their time to be part of this project proved that, by Standing Up For Epilepsy together with one voice, we can make a difference in the war against prejudice and stigma.

The book has been broken into sections of approximately 20 pages each for easier downloading and viewing.

Videos

Photo collection

The ILAE would like to thank the photographers, doctors, athletes and participants who have kindly given their time and support to Stand Up For Epilepsy.

All images are the property of the International League Against Epilepsy and any unauthorised use is strictly forbidden. If you would like to use any of the images please write to sufe@epilepsycongress.org.