ELLESMERE Port and Neston Special Olympics squad has secured a £15,000 grant.
The money from the Morgan Foundation will help deliver a Saturday morning and holiday sport sessions for the next three years at The Hub, Ellesmere Port.
Weekly coaching will take place in football, boccia and netball for people aged 14 years and more with a learning disability and a junior multi-sports programme will also take place for disabled and non-disabled young people.
The council’s Sports Development team helped submit the bid to the Morgan Foundation for the Special Olympics squad.
Cllr Stuart Parker, executive member for culture and recreation, said: “The athletes involved work really hard and we are delighted that The Morgan Foundation has chosen to support this worthwhile local sport provision.
“The opportunity to extend this activity programme is of wide benefit, offering the athletes the opportunity to train and develop in their chosen sport, working towards regional and national competition.”
Ellesmere Port and Neston Special Olympics was established in 2005 with the aim to provide training and competition in a variety of sports for people with a learning disability, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate achievement, experience enjoyment and participate with other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
The committee is dedicated to improving and extending sporting provision in the local area and need to attract new members to support their development.
Grange councillor Tony Sherlock added: “Ellesmere Port and Neston Special Olympics squad is now looking for people with the business expertise to take on key committee roles to help drive forward the vision of extending provision for disabled athletes in Cheshire.
“They are holding their annual general meeting on Thursday, June 9, at 6pm at The Hub, Whitby Road, and new members will receive a warm welcome.”
To find out more about the Special Olympics and how you can get involved, call Cheshire West and Chester Council sports development officer Sarah Parry on 01606 288551 or email sarah.parry@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
