British Wheelchair Basketball has been handed £1.5 million, which will be invested into trying to double participation over the next four years.
The funding, which is the most significant received from by British Wheelchair Basketball in a decade, has led to the launch of a new 'Inspire a Generation' programme.
The programme has been viewed as a vital tool in being able to support disabled individuals find access to physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organisation are are currently recruiting Community Activators and Local Community Partners to aid in the delivery of the programme, with six-week taster session set to take place over the summer of 2021, if it is deemed safe to do under coronavirus restrictions.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be launching the Inspire a Generation programme," said Lisa Pearce, chief executive at British Wheelchair Basketball.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for us to grow participation and, thanks to substantial investment of £1.525m from the National Lottery and Sport England, the first time in nearly 10 years that significant funding has been made to support participation growth in wheelchair basketball.
"There are a potential 70,000 new people waiting to play our sport and through Inspire a Generation, we have the ability to introduce them to wheelchair basketball and embed sustained active lifestyles, whilst improving confidence and self-esteem."
Great Britain Women's Wheelchair Basketball player, Sophie Carrigill, added: "This is a very exciting moment for wheelchair basketball and a positive move to encourage more people to play the game.
"Wheelchair basketball is an inclusive sport - anyone can play, irrespective of age, gender and ability.
"The programme is a fantastic introduction to our sport - my life is so much better because I discovered wheelchair basketball and I hope that others can experience that through Inspire a Generation."
Author: Jake Wilkin
