Our service manager, Ailith, took on the Keswick Sprint Triathlon on Saturday to kickstart our Crowdfunder that will support and improve our sport sessions. 
If you're in a position to donate, you can here (using the link below), and your donation will be doubled!
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
Health workshop for parents and carers
12th Jan 2026
Leeds Local Offer and the Parent Carer Forum have an upcoming workshop to provide an overview of health carer services in Leeds.
Read more...Volunteers needed for research study
12th Jan 2026
You are invited to take part in a short open question online survey exploring how parenting a child with Down Syndrome may shape your day-to-day life, sense of self and connections with others.
Read more...5th Jan 2026
If you would love to spend some time outdoors, join us for an exciting tree planting event with the Conservation Volunteers from TCV Hollybush
Read more...