Sports Driving Unlimited, a voluntary group based in Lockerbie, was named the national carriage driving for disabled group of the year at the Carriage Driving awards ceremony last Sunday. The event was held online after being postponed from November 2020.
The judges were looking for “the driving for disabled group which has gone above an beyond its remit, and above all one which has offered a fun and informative environment to allow disabled drivers to enjoy their sport to their fullest capacity.”
For the past 13 years, Sports Driving Unlimited (SDU) has provided opportunities for disabled people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of carriage driving. It provides a safe environment for children, young people and adults who have a disability, mental or behavioural difficulties, to drive a pony and carriage with all the therapeutic benefits, fun and excitement that comes with the experience. It offers regular carriage driving lessons, and organises competitions, with some disabled drivers participating in regional and national driving events.
Sports Driving Unlimited’s chairperson, Brenda Hodgson, described the award as wonderful recognition from the carriage driving world of the hard work of everyone involved: “We are so proud to have won this national award against stiff competition. This award acknowledges the tremendous achievements of a small group of volunteers, drivers and coaches. Of course, the last 12 months have been difficult and we have not been able to provide our full range of activities. It is a real boost and we are all looking forward to getting up and running again soon. “
