SPORTS CLUBS SMILING AFTER FUNDING BOOST

IW Disabilities cricket team

4 Island sports and community groups have been successful in receiving Comic Relief funding of £13,664.

Football, cricket, sailing and badminton have all benefitted from money from the grant programme which is managed locally by the Isle of Wight Community Fund (IWCF).

Fishbourne Sailability received £3,702 to cover the running costs of their wheelchair friendly vessel Dougal, and buy new radio equipment, “Our costs have increased following our move to the UKSA, so this money is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club” explains club secretary Patrick de Peyer. “For many of our severely disabled members a trip out on the water can be the highlight of their week, and this will ensure we can continue to put a smile on their faces.”

West Wight Junior Badminton Club were struggling to raise funds but thanks to their £2,000 grant they will be able to purchase special development packs as well rackets and shuttle cocks. The grant will also enable more volunteers to achieve professional coaching qualifications. The club is the only one in the area, and it’s hoped the cash boost will help encourage more youngsters to join up.

After losing their sponsor a Comic Relief grant of £1,962 will enable the Islands successful Disabilities Cricket Squad to continue training at the IW Cricket Academy based at Ventnor Cricket Club. The 3 hour sessions will be split between young players and adults who have either learning difficulties or physical challenges. “The

way they train and practice is exemplary, so much so that the best young players in other Island squads can often be found watching the training,” says John Hilsum from the club. “We hope with this funding that at least 4 of our players will continue to play in the ECB England Disabilities team.”

Another club to benefit is the East Cowes Sunday Youth Team, who received £1,000 towards starting up an older team for 18 to 25 year olds.

“It’s great we can help local clubs to not only continue developing and encouraging local sportsmen and women, but also bring enjoyment to Islanders who wouldn’t have these opportunities without funding from grant schemes like Comic Relief,” says Chair of the IWCF grant panel Hamish Wilson.

Vital funding was also awarded to The Rainbow Club Down’s Syndrome support group. Many of its members struggle to access speech and language support but the group will now be able to pay for a speech therapist for a year to work with the youngsters, as well as paying for parents and carers to attend a training course in Makaton signing.

The IWCF small grants programme is currently open for applications. Groups working with Island youths can apply for up to £250 to fund volunteer expenses, equipment or running costs. Also available is the Red Funnel Travel Voucher scheme. It is aimed at community and voluntary groups and covers up to £250 in car ferry or Red Jet costs. For more information on both grant programmes visit the website www.hantscf.org.uk/iwcf.