Cumbria Community Foundation Grant
Sports Driving Unlimited would also like to thank the Cumbria Community Foundation
who have given us a grant to allow us to hold a series of carriage driving sessions
for disabled youngsters from a school in the county. The children will learn all
the basics of driving and build up to a final event at which they will take part
in a mini-competition and showcase all that they have learnt.
We are delighted to have been able to get this project under way so quickly and hope
that we will soon be able to raise further funding for similar projects. If anyone
is interested in supporting this work, please do get in touch info@sportsdrivingunlimited.org.uk
National Indoor Championships 2008
Michael Hodgson and his rescued Shetland Pony Winford Brown Sugar (Brownie for short!)
were the deserving winners of the Sports Driving Unlimited Shield for drivers 10
- 14 years old at the recent National Indoor Championships. Brownie was rescued
from slaughter along with his stable friend, Blackie, and both Shetlands came into
the family as un-broken wild stallions. Michael is now both riding and driving them,
and competing in the Trailblazers series. The calibre of his driving at these Championships
made him a well deserving winner of the shield. His speed through the obstacles
made the adults sit up and take notice, starting at a full gallop and finishing with
no reduction in pace!! Brownie obviously just loves his job! The charity is delighted
to donate the shield for this competition and even more chuffed that it was won by
a rescued pony!
Sports Driving is an excellent activity for youngsters - they learn to care for their
pony, it engages their thought processes and memory, as well as improving their motor
skills. Ponies respond in kind with love, affection and hard work!
There was a terrific contingent of young drivers at this competition, including a
special class for under 10s. Wee Chloe Carruthers with Murphy won Best Turned Out
of the whole competition - not bad for a 6 year old! The future of Sports Driving
starts here!
Four members of the trustees’ committee took part in a sponsored walk organised by
the Lockerbie Rotary on 18th May. We were blessed with glorious sunshine, but the
temperature wasn’t too hot - perfect conditions! Honours have to go to Rosemary
James (on the very right) who walked a full 13 miles in just on 4 hours. A terrific
achievement! The rest of us had a gentle stroll of just 5 miles! We received great
support and hope to have raised sponsorship in excess of £1200.
Our thanks to Lockerbie Rotary for organising such a very well planned event! Thanks
to everyone who has so generously supported us. We are hoping to start our next
project with a group of disadvantaged and disabled youngsters shortly.
The Co-op Community Fund has given Sports Driving Unlimited £600 towards our work
with disadvantaged and disabled youngsters. The fund uses the ‘odd pence’ donated
by the Co-op Group Dividend Cardholders to fund projects that benefit local communities.
We will be using the donation to extend our programme of activities for local young
people so they can enjoy the excitement, physical and emotional benefits of participating
in sports driving.
The Chairman receiving the cheque from Martin Rogan from the Co-operative Bank supported
by Dylan the pony and young driver Megan Noble. Our thanks go to Martin and the Co-operative
Bank.
