New fund to protect and prepare grassroots sport

With so much communitysport on pause due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the new Be Active Wales Fund isa lifeline to help them not only weather the Covid 19 storm but to also rebuildand restart.

Thanks to the WelshGovernment and repurposed money from the National Lottery, clubs andorganisations will be able to make sure they can continue to keep theircommunities active by applying for a grant of between £300 and £50,000.

Applications can be made online at www.sport.wales/beactivewalesfund where you’ll also find acomprehensive guide on how to apply. TheRYA Cymru Wales Development team are also on hand to support clubs withtheir applications.

RYA Cymru Wales CEO, Gerwyn Owen said: “We’re all thrilledthat sailinghas been able to restart but we’re fully awarethat many of our clubs still need support. This new fund will provide crucialfinancial backing to help clubs survive the current crisis and also introducethe safety measures which are required to follow our guidance on ensuring asafe return to activity. We’d like to thank Sport Wales for establishing theBe Active Wales Fund, and also recognise the support of the Welsh Governmentand National Lottery.”

SportWales Chief Executive Sarah Powell said: “Grassroots sport has been hitincredibly hard. Thankfully, more than half a million pounds of emergencyfunding has already saved a huge number of clubs,and we’re pleased to be able to launch this new fund which will provideeven more support at a time when it is so badly needed.

“Our clubs and groups are crucial in keeping the peopleof Wales active. If they don’t stay afloat or they can’t reopen safely, we canexpect another crisis – that of inactivity and ill-health. We must not let thathappen. Clearly,clubs will need to adapt many of their activities sothat they fully adhere to health guidelines and socialdistancing requirements. The Be Active Wales Fund will help make thatpossible.” 

Research carried out by Sport Wales suggeststhat the inequality gap in sports participation has intensified duringlockdown, most notably for those living in deprived areas. As a result, RYA Cymru Waleswill be doing everything they can to help the BeActive Wales Fund reach those communities who need it most. For full details,visit www.sport.wales/beactivewalesfund

Join the RYA Cymru Wales team andrepresentatives from Sport Wales for a focus on the new Be Active Wales fundand updates on returning to boating. The team will be ready to answer anyquestions from your club on funding or getting back out on the water. Book on here.