New fund will help protect grassroots sailing

A new fund of up to £4million has been launched by Sport Wales to help grassroots sports clubs and organisations, including sailing clubs, that are currently facing an uncertain future.

With so much community sport on pause due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the new Be Active Wales Fund is a lifeline to help them not only weather the Covid-19 storm but to also rebuild and restart.

Thanks to the Welsh Government and repurposed money from the National Lottery, sailing clubs and other sports organisations will be able to make sure they can continue to keep their communities active by applying for a grant of between £300 and £50,000.

Sport Wales Chief Executive Sarah Powell says: “Grassroots sport has been hit incredibly hard. Thankfully, more than half a million pounds of emergency funding has already saved a huge number of clubs, and we’re pleased to be able to launch this new fund which will provide even more support at a time when it is so badly needed.

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

Applications can be made online at www.sport.wales/beactivewalesfund  where you’ll also find a comprehensive guide on how to apply. The RYA Cymru Wales Development team are also on hand to support clubs with their applications.

RYA Cymru Wales CEO, Gerwyn Owen says: “We’re all thrilled that sailing has been able to restart but we’re fully aware that many of our clubs still need support. This new fund will provide crucial financial backing to help clubs survive the current crisis and also introduce the safety measures which are required to follow our guidance on ensuring a safe return to activity. We’d like to thank Sport Wales for establishing the Be Active Wales Fund, and also recognise the support of the Welsh Government and National Lottery.”