The Nova Sports wheelchair basketball club in Bristol is the latest not for profit organisation to benefit from the MERKUR Community scheme.
The funding, which is being supported by MERKUR UK and its high street customers, will help the new club with venue and coaching costs, the purchase of equipment and the training of volunteers to become coaches.
MERKUR Community is the company’s social purpose programme which has so far donated £278,000 to support over 114 community groups and charitiesthroughout the country.
Nova Sports was launched by Jenny and Alex Johnson in 2017 and over the last eight years it has made a big contribution to the disabled community in and around Bath working with 1,000 people a year to help bring inclusive sport to local communities.
Activities include running outreach sports sessions in schools, delivering holiday activities for young people, as well as launching and running community sports clubs.
Accepting the MERKUR Community Award, Alex Johnson, said: “The clubs that we support provide a place for participants to socialise with others like them, to develop their sports skills, to take part in meaningful competition and to just be kids like anyone else.
“We believe that everyone, regardless of their ability/disability, should have the freedom to take part in physical activity.
“The impact of the generous funds provided by MERKUR will be lasting: improving wellbeing, expanding opportunities, and helping young disabled people thrive!”
Tony Boulton, MERKUR UK’s Director of Public and Political Relations stated: “Despite having just four full-time members of staff, the Nova team reaches out to many members of the disabled community and succeeds in catering for children as young as 2-years through to adults.
“The funds that we have provided will go some way to helping support their outstanding work.”
