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Parasport powered by Toyota, an online hub to empower disabled people to become more active, has launched a new £250,000 fund to provide training and equipment to registered activity providers.
The new Toyota Parasport fund opens today and will be delivered in partnership with the British Paralympic Association, Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, Disability Sport Wales and Scottish Disability Sport.
This exciting new opportunity means activity providers registered on Parasport can apply for grants to improve the quality and quantity of activities available to disabled people.
The new UK-wide funding programme has the backing of ParalympicsGB athletes including multiple Paralympic swimming gold medallist Bethany Firth from Northern Ireland. Prior to starting swimming lessons as a pupil at Longstone Special School, Bethany had a fear of water, having fallen into a pool as a four-year-old on holiday in Australia.
Bethany said: ““The new Toyota Parasport Fund will help more people run inclusive activities so more disabled people can benefit from getting active in the way I have.”
“Learning to swim and trying something new really gave me confidence and it helped me make new friends. Swimming has broadened my horizons, allowing me to travel and it has basically changed who I am.
“You don’t have to want to be a Paralympian there are huge benefits to becoming more active whether its physical and mental wellbeing, building confidence or making new friends.”
Parasport was launched in March 2019 and already has more than 1,600 activity providers offering disabled people the opportunities to become more active through Parasport.org.uk, which creates a vibrant community for people to share their experiences and become advocates for the benefits of being more active.
Parasport empowers disabled people and their networks by providing the information, inspiration and confidence they need to become active.
Andrew Cullis, Toyota GB Marketing Director said: “We are extremely proud to launch the Toyota Parasport Fund as the next step in our support of inclusive sport and activity in the UK.
“Alongside our partners from Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, Disability Sport Wales and Scottish Disability Sport, we have a fantastic opportunity to improve the options available to disabled people to get active and make a lasting impact on the grassroots landscape.”
Mike Sharrock, Chief Executive at the British Paralympic Association said: "Thanks to the launch of the Toyota Parasport Fund we are delighted to offer clubs registered on the Parasport website the chance to apply for grants to further improve the opportunities they offer to disabled people.
"Parasport is a crucial part of helping us to deliver our vision: through sport, inspire a better world for disabled people. It enables us to highlight the wide range of opportunities available for disabled people and these grants will help improve the experience of disabled people taking part in physical activity across the country and will be a welcome boost to the array of activity providers registered with Parasport.”
Activity providers from across the UK who have registered on Parasport are eligible to apply for support to improve the quality and quantity of sport and activities available to disabled people.
Snows Group has eight Toyota dealerships in the South and South West, located in Exeter, Hedge End, Honiton, Paignton, Plymouth, Southampton, Waterlooville and Chichester. The Group prides itself on its reputation and dedication to delivering excellent customer service, and is rewarded by the fact that over half of its business comes from returning customers. With Snows Group, driving becomes an experience, rather than a chore.
Author: Sophie Taylor
Please contact Paul Cox, Head of Communications at the British Paralympic Association, via: paul.cox@paralympics.org.uk or 07766 991152 with all press enquiries.
Posted on: 02/11/2019
