One in a million

Over £1million of Community Chest Funding has been given to Pembrokeshire Sports Clubs in a bid to get more people more active more often.

The milestone was reached during the latest round of contributions announced at the start of May.

Since its inception in 1999, the aim of Community Chest has been to encourage people to be more physically active, increase participation and standards in sport and encourage volunteers and community champions by developing new sporting leaders.

It also aims to break down barriers to sport by making it more inclusive for those in poverty, women and girls, or people with a disability.

In that time, over 1267 grants have been approved by a panel of volunteers throughout Pembrokeshire.

The original budget for funds was £35,000 per annum. This has now risen to £108,000. Community Chest is a Sports Wales, National Lottery funded grant scheme and the maximum grant is £1,500 in any 12 month period.

The panel hit the £1million mark with a grant awarded to local athletics club Pembrokeshire Harriers. The money will be used by the club for volunteers to become qualified athletics coaches.

Preseli Harriers are a longstanding proactive and inclusive voluntary club with over 100 junior participants. Many outstanding national athletes have come out of the club over the years including David Omoregie in the 110m hurdles and Heather Lewis in race walking.

Dai Davies, Chairman of Pembrokeshire Community Chest Panel said it was a momentous occasion for sport within the county.

“Community Chest is a great example of how National Lottery Funding can contribute towards good causes. There are hundreds of sports clubs in Pembrokeshire thriving because of it and we hope this continues for many years to come.”

His words were echoed by Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, Councillor Elwyn Morse who encourages clubs to find out how Community Chest could help them.

“Sports clubs are a great way of uniting people and communities to become more active yet costs can be a huge burden on them.

“I would encourage all clubs in the county to enquire how they can develop with the help of this funding so they can continue the excellent work they do within their community.”

For further information about Community Chest grants contact Alan Jones on 01437 776191 or e-mail alan.jones@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Caption
Members of Pembrokeshire Harriers with their cheque for £1,500 from Community Chest funding. They are pictured at Sir Thomas Picton School’s running track with club coaches and volunteers, and representatives of Sport Pembrokeshire.