A presentation and celebration of the continued partnership between Sports Driving Unlimited and Rotary was held recently at Sports Driving Unlimited in Boreland near Lockerbie.
A fun afternoon and tour of facilities was accompanied with tea and cakes and good fellowship. It follows a successful Rotary District Grant application by Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Club jointly along with Rotary Clubs of Annan, Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie and Dumfries and provided £3000 to Sports Driving Unlimited for essential day to day maintenance of carriages and equipment.
A new maintenance volunteer has been appointed for the Charity along with a rigorous and more sustainable approach to maintenance and equipment evident in viewing the well equipped tack room at Boreland. During Covid, Sports Driving Unlimited were unable to operate and the funding has been able to re-establish a maintenance regime to ensure carriages and equipment are fully available as the Charity now expands with a growing number of Clients.
Sports Driving Unlimited, takes it name from the hope that absolutely anyone can experience the sport of horse drawn carriage driving and in particular they provide ability for disabled drivers to use horse drawn carriages for the pleasure of driving as well as the ability to complete in local, regional and national competitions. The 3 main activities are the provision of training programmes for groups in partnership with other charitable organisations and schools; training for individuals and family groups to develop their skill; and providing information and fund- raising at appropriate events.
The charity assists people with have a wide range of impairments including cerebral palsy, visual and hearing impairment, MS, autism and learning and behavioural difficulties and allows them all to enjoy horse drawn carriage driving.
Since the Charity was established in 2007, local Rotary Clubs have assisted with funding totalling £15,000 and has allowed Sports Driving Unlimited to purchase wheelchair accessible carriages. This has included the most recent carriage pictured which was dedicated to the memory of Michael Neilson of Annan who supported Sports Driving Unlimited for many years. The partnership works both ways with Sports Driving Unlimited supporting Rotary activities and being a long time supporter of with Rotary Kids Out. Pictured are Andrew Clark, President of Dumfries Devorgilla handing cheque to Rosemary Flexney of Sports Driving Unlimited along with Rotarians from Dumfries Devorgilla, Dalbeattie and Castle Douglas and Volunteers and Clients from Sports Driving Unlimited.
Sports Driving Unlimited are a local charity with more information on their website www.sportsdrivingunlimited.org.uk
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