Bursary launch
Hilary Lister launches the Active Ashford Disability
Bursary launch 
Inspirational sportswoman Hilary Lister has
officially launched a new funding scheme to help disabled people
from Ashford achieve their sporting dreams.
Exactly 1,000 days before the start of the
London 2012 Paralympics, patron Hilary unveiled the Active Ashford
Disability Bursary at special presentation at Ashford Designer
Outlet on Thursday 3rd December.
The bursary, run by Ashford Borough Council
and sponsored by the Ashford Designer Outlet, will give disabled
people across the borough the chance to take part in various sports
and physical activity, whether they are newcomers or trained
performers needing some extra assistance.
A long-time advocate of the need for extra
funding and recognition for disabled sportsmen and women, Hilary
said: “It's incredibly important that there is a separate sports
bursary for people with disabilities, who often find it more
expensive to train and to attend competitions than the
able-bodied.
“I am delighted to support the Active Ashford
bursary system, and am honoured to be patron.”
Kent-resident Hilary was struck down by the
degenerative disease reflex sympathetic dystrophy aged just 15,
which eventually cost her the use of her limbs.
However, she went on to become the first
female quadriplegic to sail across the Channel, around the Isle of
Wight and, in 2007, around the UK, using a specially constructed
boat that allows her to control the vessel by blowing or sucking
air through two plastic tubes.
Designer Outlet manager David Maddison
presented Hilary and Active Ashford with a cheque for £3,500
towards the bursary, and pledged his long-term support for the
scheme.
He said: “The outlet is extremely proud and
honoured to support this bursary. Hilary is a true inspiration and
she will be able to rely on our continued support in the vital
years leading up to the 2012 Olympics.”
The bursary will help disabled sportspeople
meet the costs of travelling, coaching, equipment and entrance fees
to events and competitions, as well as introducing Ashford’s
excellent sporting facilities to people who previously felt unable
to use them.
Chair of Active Ashford Graham Galpin added:
“I am delighted that such an important business partner as the
Outlet Centre has provided this much needed assistance to the
Active Ashford Disability Bursary.
“The amazing achievements of our patron Hilary
Lister should act as an example to disabled sportspeople to utilise
the bursary so that they can achieve their sporting goals.
“You could not ask for a more inspirational
person to support this scheme, and I hope this bursary will help
our local athletes on their way to London 2012.”
Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Telephone: 01233 330232 Email: activeashford@ashford.gov.uk
Copyright 2007 Ashford Borough Council
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