Vital Funds From Irwin Mitchell Will Help With Training Costs
A wheelchair rugby team celebrating its second birthday has received a funding boost from national law firm Irwin Mitchell to help with its running costs.
Stoke Mandeville Maulers have received the money as part of Irwin Mitchell’s Don’t Quit, Do It campaign which aims to increase the profile and participation levels in disability sport.
The club are based at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury, the birthplace of the Paralympics.
Jodee Mayer, serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s London office, which awarded the money, said: “At Irwin Mitchell, we believe in building strong links within the communities in which we work, and supporting good local causes.
“We believe that disability should not be a barrier to sport so are very proud to provide this donation to the Stoke Mandeville Maulers, particularly considering the crucial role that the area where the team is based has played in promoting the importance of disability sport down the decades.
“We are sure that this team will continue that incredible work and wish them all of the best for the future.”
The club has received the funding from Irwin Mitchell’s Disability Sports Grant Programme launched as part of Don’t Quit, Do It.
Charities, individuals and groups involved in inclusive sport are eligible to apply for money to help with the cost of training, buying specialist equipment or taking part in special events. The programme has already given out £10,000 to projects across the UK.
Don’t Quit, Do It campaign seeks to support the benefits both physically and psychologically of being involved in disability sports and is supported by multiple gold-medal winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE.
Ian Hosking, of the Stoke Mandeville Maulers, said: “Wheelchair rugby is very fast, very tough and is a great workout. Fitness is key to a healthy life, sport is also a huge help in social interaction after spinal injury.
“We have only been going two years but we are proud of how the club has developed in that time. Thanks to its kind donation, Irwin Mitchell has given the whole team a huge lift.”
Irwin Mitchell is a proud supporter of disability sport and has partnerships the England Amputee Football Association, Boccia England and a host of other related organisations.
The law firm was also the Official Legal Services Provider of the World Para Athletics Championships London 2017 at the London Stadium in July last year, while it also supported the one-day Superhero Series event held at Dorney Lake in Windsor in August.
Read more about Irwin Mitchell's Don't Quit Do It campaign.