Kick-start for sporting grants

Published: 3 December 2012

We are pleased to announce the launch of ‘ Accessible Sports’ – our grants programme that aims to widen sports opportunities for disabled people, and help inspire a new generation of athletes. To mark the occasion, one of Britain’s greatest ever Paralympians – six-time gold medal winner David Weir – has been awarded the Freedom of the City in recognition of his sporting achievements.

There are 1.4m disabled people in London, 75% of whom do not exercise – double the comparative figure for non-disabled people. This could change the more inclusive and accessible sports organisations become. We want more organisations to increase opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport by applying for grants that will improve access to their buildings or towards the cost of running activities, including sports equipment.

The Trust has a long history of funding sports projects for disabled people and helping mainstream sports organisations to make their facilities and activities accessible to everyone. Over the past three years we have awarded £1.5m to 27 organisations across London. These have included:

£80,000 to the Diamond Centre, which provides disabled people with the opportunity to take part in horse-riding and horse-based therapy.

£120,000 to Step by Step for sports activities including swimming, football, ice-skating, rowing, cycling and general fitness, aimed at children with a range of disabilities.

£150,000 to Greenhouse Schools Project towards a programme of sporting activities for children attending Special Educational Needs schools in Southwark and Ealing.

Lord Mayor of the City of London Roger Gifford said:
“This summer London was proud to be the backdrop for some of the greatest moments in sport, including David Weir powering his way to gold. Paralympians have revolutionized Paralympic sport – breaking down barriers and pushing the boundaries of possibility, inspiring a generation.”

Billy Dove, City Bridge Trust Chairman said:
“As the UK cheered on athletes such as David Weir, thousands of disabled people were inspired to get involved with their local sports club.  Our new ‘City Sporting Chance’ will provide organisations with the resources they need to widen access to sport for those who may not have had the opportunity to take part before.  We hope this will create a lasting legacy for sports opportunities for disabled people that extends well beyond this golden sporting year.”

For more information about Accessible Sports, please click here.