Earlier today we received the fabulous news that the UK Sport Board has awarded GB Wheelchair Rugby an indicative sum of £2.6 million for the Paris cycle (April 2021 until March 2025) with a confirmed sum of £662,572 for year one. We can expect years two to four to be confirmed next year when the government’s Spending Review is completed. This news provides the funding for us to really challenge for medals and have an even greater inspirational impact on our communities.
The award recognises the considerable work and commitment made over the last four years to keep the programme alive and for the team to achieve fourth in the world rankings. We have many individuals and partners to thank for this including: King Power, ISPS Handa, LMAX Exchange, many from the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, Get Kids Going!, RMA Sport, Boost and England international Mike Brown. Thanks also to the RFU, Hogan Lovells, the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, and the Peter Harrison Centre all of which have provided services for the GB squad. A very special thank you to Roger & Heather Alwen and George & Kate Digweed who have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funding for the squad. All above, along with current and recently retired Board members and staff, many of whom have worked as volunteers throughout the period can feel very proud of the part they have played in getting us to this position. I cannot thank you all enough!
We are conscious of the many worthy and competing demands for public investment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and feel fortunate to have gained this investment and we want to deliver on the faith placed in us and lift ourselves from fourth in the world to a medal winning position. We understand the positive impact our sport and athletes have on our communities and we have a team who are hungry to medal.
David Pond
Chief Executive
