Lottery funding for Kirkintilloch charity is 'Ace'

The Sporting Aces received the funding to establish its new three year project: "Families Connecting to Sport."

The project, which is set to contribute towards the gradual reintroduction of outdoor and indoor group sessions once Covid-19 restrictionss permit, will allow for much needed social, sporting and exercise activities for those with disabilities.

Operations manager Allwyn Crawford said: “This funding will help secure and expand the work of our charity, providing much needed support for those with disabilities throughout East Dunbartonshire.

“As we adapted to the pandemic in offering Covid safe activities, with the hopeful reintroduction of more outdoor and indoor sport as we progress through coronavirus, we are hugely encouraged that this £45,000 will allow us to offer even more support for those who need it most.”

The news was welcomed by Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Rona Mackay who praised Sporting Ace’s “vital service” during the pandemic, and will also raise a motion in the Scottish Parliament to congratulate the charity on getting the funding.

Ms Mackay said: “I am delighted that The Sporting Aces have secured this funding, allowing them to both reintroduce their activities but also grow their services to reach more people throughout East Dunbartonshire.“Throughout my time as MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, the charity has provided a vital service for my constituents. I’ve been glad to assist them throughout this time, bringing them to Holyrood and praising their work directly in our national parliament.“Allwyn and the entire team deserve a huge amount of credit for their continued work, especially during the pandemic. They are a credit to our community and I will continue to support them as they go from strength to strength."

Allwyn added: “We are grateful for the continued support of our local MSP Rona Mackay and thank her for recognising our work within the Scottish Parliament.”