Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru
The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (FDSW) is a pan-disability National Governing Body of Sport Which aims to promote and develop quality sports opportunities
British Gas Grants
British Gas have underlined their commitment to grassroots as well as elite swimming by earmarking £70,000 to be allocated to clubs across Britain. And the amount could increase if the British Gas club grant scheme is successful.
Clubs accredited under the ASA’s swim21, Scottish Swimming’s SwiMark and Swim Wales’ Dragon Mark can apply for a grant of up to £1,000 to spend on projects aligned to their action plans.
Examples of projects that could attract a grant include:
· training of level 2 and 3 teachers and coaches
· accessing long-course training where required rather than desired (UK 50m pools only)
· marketing and promotional material to increase membership
· funding to pay for expert coaching such as hiring of specialist coaches
Clubs working towards accreditation will be able to apply for grants of up to £500. Projects which might apply include:
· help in achieving accreditation
· travelling expenses to facilitate ‘buddy system’ support such as local knowledge from an accredited club
· online support package such as provision of laptop, scanner and 3G / internet access plus workshop support
· accreditation reward package involving IoS or equivalent vouchers, NPTS pack, voucher for ASA awards centre or Scottish equivalent
Pamela Brown, marketing and promotional manager for British Gas, said: “We call it Paddling Pool to Podium and that means we want to support swimming from grassroots right through to elite level.
“This scheme is one way in which we can help accredited clubs to fulfill their action plans and those that want to become accredited to increase their quality of teaching and coaching We want children to be inspired to swim. We want them to have the best teaching so it keeps them motivated.
“We want the elite swimmers to inspire the youngsters. The more we can fill the funnel with fantastic swimmers, the more success we can have at a top event.” She added: “We know that clubs are underfunded and run by volunteers who dedicate their time because they are passionate or their kids are passionate about the sport”.
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