Cash injection gives Academy biggest of lifts
NORTH Tyneside’s Cube Weightlifting Academy has been given a £6,000 boost from Sport England’s Community Emergency Fund, writes TONY HODGSON.
The National Lottery cash will go towards the club’s running costs during the on-going Covid:19 pandemic.
The outbreak of the virus and the consequent shutdown of businesses from March 23 left the sport and physical activity sector facing a period of uncertainty.
In response, Sport England announced a £195m rescue package to help the sector through the crisis.
Within the package is a £20m Community Emergency Fund to deliver immediate cash aid to those supporting the nation to be active but experiencing short-term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations.
Cube is a non-profit community sports club but is privately funded and receives no government assistance towards keeping its services running.
Head coach and club owner Josh Mosavi said: “We are more than a sports club, we are more of a community.
“The funding will take the financial burden off us and we will be able to support our members who have been impacted by the crisis.”
The club is located in Howdon and has members ranging from five years old to over 60.
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s Chief Executive, said: “As the body responsible for the growth of sport and physical activity participation, we want the vital grassroots organisations which make sport and physical activity happen in this country to not just to come through this crisis but to be in a position to thrive again in the future. The £20m Community Emergency fund is part of a multi-million-pound package of support we are providing to ease the pressure on a huge number of organisations who are central to the nation’s health and wellbeing.
“We are proud to be able to provide vital funding to Cube Weightlifting Academy to help it through these extremely challenging times.”
When it is given the go-ahead to reopen, the Academy will be offering training on a booking system and more services such as outdoor exercise and private sessions.