London Wheelchair Rugby Club wins Cash4Clubs charity funding to support the rehabilitation of those with life changing disabilities
Bob Blackman MP has praised the Flutter UKI Cash4Clubs scheme that has awarded £2,000 in funding to 200 clubs across UK and Ireland, including Harrow’s London Wheelchair Rugby Club.
Welcoming the funding, the Conservative MP for Harrow East said: "I had the privilege of visiting the London Wheelchair Rugby team earlier this year and was thrilled to learn that four members were part of the GB Paralympics Squad in Paris recently. As the latest Cash4Clubs scheme launches, I would urge all clubs to apply to help with running costs and ensure opportunities remain open for everyone."
London Wheelchair Rugby Club aims to support those battling life-changing disabilities, giving them a positive environment to work on their rehabilitation, keep fit and enjoy social inclusion. London Wheelchair Rugby Club provides a social and sporting outlet for members to come together with others who have been affected by disabilities.
The club aims to develop a network of friendship for teammates who can support each other to improve their self-belief and demonstrate what can be achieved despite the odds.
Craig Streeter, Vice-Chairman of the London Wheelchair Rugby Club also commended the scheme, maintaining that: “London Wheelchair Rugby Club appreciates all donations of any amount and would like to say a huge thank you to Cash4Clubs. These donations help fund anything from tournaments to tape and are essential in the progression of the club and our members. We certainly do encourage other clubs to apply for the scheme. Wheelchair Rugby is an expensive sport and any ease of financial burden helps our players from grass roots to Paralympic glory. Thank you.”
With applications for this year’s funding round set to close on the 12th of December, sports clubs and organisations across the capital are encouraged to apply for £400,000 worth of free grants before it’s too late.
Since the initiative was launched in 2008, Flutter UKI has invested nearly £6 million into community sports through its brands which include Betfair, Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming and tombola. Last year, 40,000 people across 50 different sports benefitted from the Cash4Clubs fund. Almost 85% of the clubs funded were from lower socio-economic groups.
A spokesperson for Flutter UKI said: “We know that Cash4Clubs can play an important part in helping at the grassroots level – great stories such as London Wheelchair Rugby Club show the power the programme can have by enabling small clubs to play an even bigger role in their community.
“There are real benefits to encouraging people to try out a sport or exercise a bit more and we hope this year’s funding will make a real difference.”
Applications for the current round of funding close on December 12. Applications can be submitted at www.cash-4-clubs.com.