Vital Funds From Irwin Mitchell To Go Towards Purchase Of New Boat

An Oxford-based squad of para-rowers has received a funding boost as part of national law firm Irwin Mitchell’s campaign to increase participation in disability sports.

The City of Oxford Rowing Club’s Adaptive Squad is set to put the donation towards purchasing a specially modified boat which will allow them to compete to the highest level in events.

The grant has been awarded as part of Irwin Mitchell’s Don’t Quit, Do It campaign which promotes the physical and psychological benefits of being involved in disability sports. The campaign is supported by multiple gold-medal winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE.

Expert Opinion

“Through our work we have seen on numerous occasions how sport has been able to help our clients with rehabilitation following serious injury.

“Unfortunately, while there are over 12 million people with disabilities in the UK, only one in six actually takes part in sport regularly.

“Part of this is due to the lack of funding and availability of specialist equipment and, with that in mind, we hope these grants will help support individuals and sports teams so they can realise their true potential.

“The City of Oxford Rowing Club’s para-rowing squad are hugely dedicated to their sport and are a great example of the huge benefits that such activities can have for those with disabilities. We are delighted to provide this donation and hope it will prove vital as they continue to develop their work further.

“Disability should not be a barrier to sport.” James Davies - Partner

The club has received £500 Irwin Mitchell’s Disability Sports Grant Programme which is part of the Don’t Quit Do It campaign.

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.

Howard Aiken, club captain of City of Oxford Rowing Club, said: “We firmly believe that rowing is a sport to be enjoyed by everyone and welcome new members.

“Luckily attitudes towards disability sports are changing and are Adaptive Squad is growing in popularity. We would like to thank Irwin Mitchell for its kind donation which will go a long way towards our club being able to buy another specially adapted boat.”

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.