MERKUR UK has provided funding to help support a new wheelchair basketball club in Bristol for young people with disabilities.

The funding which is part of the MERKUR Community social purpose programme supported by MERKUR UK and its high street customers, will help with venue and coaching costs, the purchase of equipment and the training of volunteers to become coaches.

The award has been made to Nova Sports a small, community-based organisation launched by Jenny and Alex Johnson in 2017. Over the last eight-years Nova has made a significant contribution to the disabled community in and around Bath working with around 1,000 people a year to help bring accessible and inclusive sport to local communities. Nova run outreach sports sessions in schools, deliver holiday activities for young people, and create/run community sports clubs. 

Accepting the MERKUR Community Award, Alex Johnson, Nova Sports Founder and Coach, said: “Prior to our formation in 2017 there were very few opportunities in the area for people with disabilities to play sport and be active. The clubs that we support provide a place for participants to socialise with others like them, to develop their sports skills, to take part in meaningful competition and to just be kids like anyone else. We believe that everyone, regardless of their ability/disability, should have the freedom, autonomy and choice to take part in physical activity. The impact of the generous funds provided by Merkur will be lasting: improving wellbeing, expanding opportunities, and helping young disabled people thrive!”

Tony Boulton, MERKUR UK’s Director of Public and Political Relations stated: “Despite having just four full-time members of staff, the Nova team reaches out to many members of the disabled community and succeeds in catering for children as young as 2-years right up to adults. The funds that we have provided will go some way to helping support their outstanding work and help to continue their new Bristol club.”

Funded by MERKUR in partnership with its high street customers the programme has so far donated £278,170.76 to support over 114 community groups and charities nationwide.   

Cock-a-hoop

Alex Johnson said……. “The impact of the generous funds provided by Merkur will be lasting: improving wellbeing, expanding opportunities, and helping young disabled people thrive!…