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Wheels for Wellbeing has welcomed a grant of nearly £500,000 to support the Paralympic legacy through a network of specialist disability cycling charities.
The investment, from Sport England’s Inclusive Sport Fund, is to develop infrastructure and advice to support new and emerging cyclists in the city.
In the last year alone, London disability cycling charity Wheels for Wellbeing has reported a 30 per cent rise in participation.
"This money comes at the perfect time," explained Wheels for Wellbeing director Isabelle Clement. "Demand is now so high we’re overstretched and these resources will help us provide support to all those who’ve been excited and interested for the Paralympics. This year has been a turning point for many people starting to take up sport – and cycling in particular. We’re delighted to build on the great legacy inspired by the incredible feats of gold medallist Paralympians like Sarah Storey and Anthony Kappes."
The Sport England Inclusive Sport grant is funding four not-for-profits, led by Wheels for Wellbeing, to scale up their inclusive cycling activities at sites including the Herne Hill Velodrome. The other partners are: Bikeworks, Ecolocal and Pedal Power.
Inclusive Sport is part of Sport England’s Places People Play legacy programme. The money will fund new sessions and mentors for disabled cyclists in the three years from Spring 2013.
