Sunday Mirror

Winter Olympics blasted for mental illness ban

- BY ALAN SELBY and JOSH MCSTAY

WINTER Olympics organisers have been blasted for putting up signs barring people with mental illness.

One MP branded it “outrageous” as the Paralympic­s prepares to open on Friday.

The notices at the Gangneung Olympic Park, where speed-skating and curling events take place, state: “Drunk and mentally ill are not allowed access.” Former Lib Dem health minister and mental health campaigner Norman Lamb said: “It’s a powerful reminder that in many parts of the world the stigma against people with mental ill health is as strong as ever.”

The Internatio­nal Paralympic Committee has demanded the message is covered up. A spokesman said: “Korea is not as advanced as Britain when it comes to disability and we hope staging the Paralympic Winter Games here will act as a catalyst to changing this.”

PyeongChan­g 2018 said: “We deeply apologise for any offence this may have caused.” In January, organisers also apologised for patronisin­g advise to volunteers in a handbook, including: “A female disabled is also a female human being.” 30 minutes after the allotted time, no food was in sight. Then they cancelled the order due to a lack of drivers.

It was 11.30pm, too late to order alternativ­e nosh and I spent a very angry hour using the live chat function on their website trying to get answers. It was frustratin­g.

When I spoke to the team at Resolver, most of them had a similar story to tell. Our users have also been making a huge number of complaints and it is clearly a serious problem in this industry.

It’s vital that we let businesses know where they’re getting it wrong. If you’ve had a bad experience, you can let the firm know at resolver. co.uk/takeaways

As for me, I’m still supporting my local restaurant­s – but I’m picking up the occasional takeaway treat in person! ■■■Get in touch: your stories@resolver.co.uk, complain at resolver.co.uk or talk to us at @resolver. co.uk and facebook/ resolverco­uk

 ??  ?? OUTRAGE Sign outside Olympic park
OUTRAGE Sign outside Olympic park

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