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UEL joins forces with UNITE to keep wheelchair sports scheme rolling

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Chairs in the Community

(Jenny Shaw at cheque handover with David Cosford)

The University of East London’s ambitious wheelchair sports project, Chairs in the Community (CITC), has been given a helping hand by the UNITE Group (the UK’s leading developer and manager of purpose-built student accommodation) by providing the crucial funding the project needs, and enabling it to build on the momentum of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Launched in May 2011 following an initial investment of £40,000 from the National Lottery, Chairs in the Community (CITC) provided the five Olympic host boroughs (Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets) with 40 top-of-the range sports wheelchairs to improve the provision of disability sport within these communities. Since its launch nearly two years ago, CITC has delivered nearly 160 sessions across the five boroughs, improving the lives of more than 1,600 Londoners.

UNITE has pledged £20,000 to UEL to enable students to work in partnership with the university to assist local residents taking part in wheelchair sports including badminton, tennis and basketball, at council-run sports centres and local community venues.

David Cosford, Director of Sport at University of East London, said: “Chairs in the Community has been a resounding success across the five boroughs, so we are delighted that UNITE have kindly donated funding to help continue this important project. Over the past two years and certainly since the end of the London 2012 Games, we have witnessed a steady increase in the number of people expressing an interest in disability sports, and we need to keep building on that level of enthusiasm.

“While many still think wheelchair sports are primarily for those with physical disabilities, we would like to remind people that these sessions are inclusive to everyone in the local community.”

Jenny Shaw, Head of Higher Education Engagement, at UNITE commented: “We are delighted to support the University of East London’s Chairs in the Community scheme; this really worthwhile project is a practical and effective way to build on the legacy of the Olympic Games.

 “UNITE is committed to having a positive impact in the communities in which we operate. We provide a home for over 1,000 students within the East London area, and as well as the associated spending power this brings, our students are passionate about volunteering and supporting local causes; we hope to build on this partnership with UEL to benefit the local community and enhance the student experience further in future.”

UNITE provides a home for around 8,000 students in London, including 400 wheelchair-friendly rooms.

 

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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