| The
MMSA raises funds for Masonic and other charities
through the promotion of sporting and social events. Over £200,000
has been donated to various deserving causes. The Association
has
been a sponsor of the British Wheelchair Sports Foundation(now
Wheelpower) at the last 5 Paralympic Games. This includes
Sydney 2000 for
which the
Association contributed £10,000 to support training and subsistence
of our very successful wheelchair athletes in winning so many
medals.
The British team was second in the overall medal tally. Following
the greatest Olympic success since 1920, Britain's 241-strong
Paralympic
team went on to top their gold medal and total medal tally from
Atlanta to finish 2nd in the medal table to host country Australia
with 131 medals, including 41 gold. Media coverage of the Games
surpassed all previous years, raising unparalleled awareness of
the talents and abilities of disabled athletes around the world.
Wheelpower (formerly-The British Wheelchair Sports Foundation)
at Stoke Mandeville, where
the Paralympic movement began, are proud to be associated with
the Games which put the athletes first. The enthusiasm and warm
hospitality
of the Australian people created an environment for athletes to
perform at their best and really put disability sport on the map
says Martin McElhatton, CEO, Wheelpower. |
|
H.R.H.
Prince of Wales
As Patron of the
British Wheelchair Sports Foundation, I have witnessed for myself
on many occasions the opportunities that wheelchair sport provides
for people with disabilities. There are tremendous benefits for
those who take part. For some it will be rehabilitation, for others
a marvellous way to keep fit and, for many, a chance to compete
in organised events from novice level to the Paralympic Games. For
Britain's elite wheelchair athletes the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games
was the climax of four years training and dedication to their sport.
I can only wish them every possible success in their chosen sport.
The Sporting Chance Appeal, which I helped launch in March 1999,
will help fund the redevelopment of the Foundation's unique facilities
at Stoke Mandeville, offering a sporting chance to many thousands
of people. Through their sporting endeavours, those taking part
provide others who have disabilities with inspiration and positive
role models, encouraging young and newly disabled people to improve
their quality of life through sport. The work of the British Wheelchair
Sports Foundation is to be admired and supported, and I wish all
those involved every success in the future. |