A Swindon-based wheelchair basketball team has received a funding boost from national law firm Irwin Mitchell as part of the firm’s Disability Sports Grant Programme, designed to promote participation levels in disability sport.
The campaign which is supported by multiple gold-medal winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE coincides with the firm’s partnerships with the England Amputee Football Association, Boccia England and a host of other related organisations. The Swindon Shock’s squad intend to use the £500 donation to part-fund their purchase of a sports wheelchair which will be used by a number of players who regularly compete for the side. Deborah Rose, specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office which awarded the money, said: “Through our work we have seen on numerous occasions how sport has been able to help our clients with rehabilitation following serious injury. She shared her delight with the firm’s ability to provide the donation and hopes that it will further develop their work: “Swindon Shock’s wheelchair basketball team are a great example of how important sport can be to those with disabilities, giving them a chance to both be active and enjoy the social side of such activities too. Disability should not be a barrier to sport.” On thanking the firm, Ben Humphrey of Swindon Shock, said: “Thanks to its kind donation, Irwin Mitchell has given the team a huge boost. At Shock we like to provide opportunities for all people and aim to encourage fun, participation and sportsmanship to help build the confidence of those participating.”