SportsAble SOS as charity faces fight to survive

Disability sports club launches urgent fundraiser to stay open

Maidenhead disability sports charity SportsAble is on the brink of closure and has called on the public to help it raise the funds it needs to survive, writes George Roberts.

The pandemic has taken its toll on the charity, which is based in Braywick Park, and has been forced to close since March due to lockdown restrictions.

It has not been able to resume a full sports programme since, and SportsAble now needs to raise £46,000 in the next two months to make up the income shortfall and prevent it from shutting down for good.

An SOS fundraising campaign has been launched in the hope that the public can help keep it open for its 300 members, most of whom live in Maidenhead and Windsor.

John Jenkins, president of SportsAble said it had been difficult to raise funds in the last ‘three or four years’ but the pandemic has made it even worse.

He said: “Our members have been wary about coming back and will continue to be, as many of them are vulnerable and a lot of them are concerned about coming outside again.”

Being unable to open, the charity has suffered a huge loss of income, with all of its regular revenue streams shut off.

“With our doors closed that means our income has dried up,” said John. “Donations have almost ceased, and we haven’t been able to take on hirings for our facilities for meetings and social gatherings, which has been an important part of our income over the last few years.

“The grants have diminished and coupled with that there are more charities that are seeking funds because everyone is in the same boat.

“It’s not a perfect storm, but it’s a pretty good one.”

After launching the fundraising campaign on Monday more than £1,000 has already been raised for the charity, which hopes to celebrate its 46th anniversary in March.

SportsAble members have also been getting creative with fundraising ideas, taking on the 46thanniversary theme and dubbing it a ‘46 challenge’, similar to the 150 challenge Maidenhead United is running for its 150th anniversary.

According to John, one member is planning to knit a 46-metre scarf, while another is going to set off on a 46-mile ride on their handcycle, to help raise more funds to keep the charity going.

John said: “The reaction has been really positive, I know it’s very early days but our Just Giving site is doing well and we have members offering to do certain challenges.

“If we can generate that sort of income (£46,000), it will make a big difference.”

If it is not able to raise the funds, though, the charity is at risk of shutting down for good – something John thinks would be heartbreaking for the community.

He said: “In many cases, SportsAble is a lifeline to our members, to disabled people, it’s a place where they can have some friendly competition and recreation, a safe place they can visit to find solace and have some fun.

“It plays a huge part in their lives and if the club had to close it would be absolutely tragic for the people of the Royal Borough.”

To view the fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/SaveOurSportsAble