PEOPLE with disabilities in Inverclyde are being encouraged to apply for funding from a trust set up in memory of a local Paralympian.
Applications are being accepted for grants from the Peter Stanton Memorial Trust.
The trust was set up in 1993 in memory of Peter Stanton who represented his country at the Paraplegic Olympics, a precursor to the Paralympic Games, and Commonwealth Games.
He was also a coach with Port Glasgow Otters Swimming Club where he passed on his experience to other swimmers with disabilities within Inverclyde.
The trust provides financial assistance to encourage the participation of people with disabilities in leisure and recreational activities.
Individuals and organisations can apply for funding and each application is considered on its merits by the trustees.
Provost Drew McKenzie, who is one of the trustees, said: “Peter Stanton served the people of Inverclyde and swimmers with disabilities with such distinction as a swimmer himself and also a coach with the Otters.
“The trust aims to honour his legacy by providing opportunities for future generations of people with disabilities in Inverclyde in sport and other leisure or recreational activities. However, funding applications have been very much reduced in recent times.
“The flip side to that is that there is a healthy amount of money in the trust to support individuals and organisations in Inverclyde with their sporting, leisure or recreational pursuits so there’s never been a better time to apply for a grant.
“Each application is judged on its own merits but I know first-hand how much of a difference the trust has made in the past so I encourage groups or individuals to apply now.”
The trust is not restricted to sporting activities. Grants can also be made to support the participation of people with disabilities in non-sporting activities which would otherwise be considered leisure or recreational pursuits.
The trust also considers applications from organisations whose objectives are to encourage opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport and leisure.
For more information and to apply for funding, contact Jonathan Hamilton by emailing jonathan.hamilton@inverclyde.gov.uk or via the Inverclyde Council customer contact centre on 01475 717171.
