An Ipswich-based charity that provides sporting opportunities to young and disabled people across the county has won a £5,000 cash boost.
Inspire Suffolk was one of 30 charities and organisations battling it out to win up to £200,000 from Persimmon Homes as part of its Healthy Communities scheme.
The charity was chosen to represent East Anglia after impressing a panel with their plans to upgrade their facilities to deliver sport and after-school activities for children and young adults with disabilities or learning difficulties.
It was hoped the funds could be used to completely revamp its sports dome in Lindbergh Road, which is used by numerous sports and community groups within the area.
While Inspire Suffolk missed out on the top grant, Terry Baxter, the charity’s chief executive, said the £5,000 would go directly towards Turn Up and Play activities run by Inspire Suffolk for young people across the county.
The sessions aim to open up sporting activities for those who may otherwise not be able to take part, for example for financial reasons.
“We were delighted to be shortlisted for the Persimmon award,” he said. “We were shortlisted from an original group of about 750 organisations and charities so to get down to 30 is a real achievement.
“In that regard, it was a reinforcement of our belief that we are offering real support and a positive service to young people in our county, so its great to get that reaffirmation.
“Of course we hoped to pick up one of the bigger prizes but we have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support that we got from both those who know what we do and people who perhaps for the first time could have been becoming aware of what Inspire Suffolk do.
“We are delighted that its going to go to people who need it most.
“I would like to thank Persimmon Homes who were so generous in providing that donation for us.
“I really want to thank the people of Suffolk and beyond who really got behind the campaign, who were voting in their thousands every day to help us get over the line.”
The overall winners were Heart of England Community Boxing Club, based in Hinckley, Leicestershire.
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