Weekly sports sessions for people with learning disabilities in the district have had a much-needed £3,000 funding boost.

Herts Advertiser: Special Olympics St Albans has received £3,000 to fund weekly sports sessions for people with learning disabilities in the districtSpecial Olympics St Albans has received £3,000 to fund weekly sports sessions for people with learning disabilities in the district (Image: Photo supplied)

Special Olympics St Albans has received a grant from The Discovery Foundation, supported by Santander UK, which offers grants to charities for projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.

The £3,000 grant will help the charity to continue providing weekly sports activities by funding coaches, sports hall hire and kit.

Christine Lane at Special Olympics St Albans said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received this grant.

“Like so many charities we have become a casualty of funding cuts, so we are constantly resourcing new ways to finance our charity. This money will enable us to continue to support those with a learning disability not just in sport but also in community initiatives.”

Weekly sessions encourage and enable people to attend local, national and international competitions, which in turn helps build confidence.

They also support community initiatives, such as the cooking club, where athletes who are living independently learn cooking skills, healthy eating and budgeting.

Jigar Thakkar, branch director at Santander’s St Peter’s Street branch said: “The Discovery Foundation makes hundreds of donations every year to good causes throughout the UK.

“Our branch is committed to playing a key part in the community and we hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”