Funding to expand sports programme for adults and children with Down’s syndrome in London
A national charity has received over £100,000 to expand its sports programme for people with Down’s syndrome in London.
City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charitable arm, awarded Down’s Syndrome Association £117,000 to fund tennis, football and athletics sessions for people with Down’s syndrome across the capital.
DSActive is a sports programme for children and adults with Down’s syndrome. The programme strives to create opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome to lead active and healthy lives.
The initiatve currently runs across eight football clubs and four tennis clubs in London, with over 200 participants. The programme will be targeting Newham, Barking, Dagenham and Enfield – areas of the city where the need is greatest.
Alison Gowman, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, commented:
“Since the launch of DSActive hundreds of children and adults with Down’s syndrome and their families have benefitted from the programme.
“Team sports are great for fitness and health, as well as socialising and boosting confidence. It great to know that with our support the programme can expand and support even more people across the capital.”
“City Bridge Trust is committed to making London a fairer place to work and live.
Alex Rawle, DSActive project manager, added:
“This grant will allow us to increase the vital opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome in London to lead active and healthy lives.
“While the existing DSActive clubs in London are doing amazing things we need to ensure that all Londoners with Down’s syndrome have equal opportunities to improve their fitness, physical and social skills in a supportive environment. The grant will allow us to extend the existing offer and add new ways to participant too.”
City Bridge Trust is London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of £20 million a year to tackle disadvantage and inequality across the capital. The Trust has awarded around 7,700 grants totalling over £370 million since it first began in 1995. It helps achieve the City Corporation’s aim of changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Londoners.
The quotes from parents and carers of DSActive participants:
“My child has been laughed at during mainstream swimming”
“DSActive is vital, where else can my son play football where his disability doesn't disadvantage him"
"Our tennis coach for DSActive is amazing and is great with the children and he has an equally great volunteer. The whole group love the sessions."
“DSActive acts as a stepping stone for those whose ability allows them to progress but also a social/community outlet to engage with others through sport.”
ENDS
Media Enquiries
Kristina Drake
Media Officer, City of London Corporation
Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk
07710860884 / 020 7332 1125
Notes to editors
About the City of London Corporation:
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.