Our service manager, Ailith will kick off the Crowdfunder this weekend with a sprint triathlon at the Keswick Mountain Festival!
Click here to support Ailith and help raise vital funds to keep our sports sessions going.
New Crowdfunder to support Sunshine Sport Sessions
We have recently launched a new Crowdfunder page to support our Sport Sessions, and we have just been accepted for a matched fund scheme which means for every donation someone makes the BA Better World Community Fund will match!
The BA Better World Community Fund is supporting communities to create a better world by funding projects that benefit any of the following: education, thriving communities, employment, environment, diversity, inclusion & wellbeing. We have to reach 25% of the target before British Airways start to match the donations. We must also receive donations from a minimum of 25 unique supporters.
About Sunshine and Smiles Sport Sessions
Sunshine & Smiles is committed to running accessible & free sessions to encourage active and healthy lifestyles for children and young people who have Down syndrome. We currently run sessions offering football, swimming, cricket, yoga and movement either fortnightly or monthly.
Giving People the Same Chances in Life
These sessions are run specifically for people with Down syndrome so they have experienced coaches and staff to ensure our young people can participate. Often 'mainstream' sports sessions are not accessible for people with Down syndrome so we want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy and take part in a wide variety of activities in a safe and supportive environment.
Impact of Covid
Over the Covid pandemic fundraising and access to grants has become much more difficult and we are coming to the end of our last grant for our swimming sessions for example - but we want to keep these sessions running and we want them to be free for our families to keep our support as inclusive as possible.
Support Us To Develop
We would also like to expand our offer of sports activities over time but will need additional funding to recruit the right coaches, hire venues and buy any specific equipment. We are currently planning a running club, basketball sessions, cycling sessions and triathlon coaching.
We have been accepted for match funding! If you would like to set up your own fundraising page to contribute to the crowdfunder you can do so here.
Thank you for your ongoing support, from all of us at Sunshine and Smiles.
More news articles
Leeds SEND Parent & Carer Participation Forum
18th May 2022
Parents and carers needed to support an application for funding to help the development of the new Leeds parent & carer participation forum
Read more...Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Support for Children and Young People
18th May 2022
Leeds Community Healthcare are looking at services in Leeds in relation to children and young people aged 0-18yrs who need emotional and mental wellbeing support.
Read more...University of Leeds Research Project on Documentaries
11th May 2022
The project is looking for adults with Down Syndrome to take part
Read more...