Residents across York and North Yorkshire will soon see even more opportunities to get active, thanks to the second round of funding from Mayor David Skaith’s Movement, Activity and Sport Fund.
60 new projects have been successful in their applications, with a total investment of almost £900,000 helping local community groups, charities and public organisations to get people of all ages moving more, enjoying the outdoors and improving their wellbeing.
David Skaith Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said:
“Sport changed my life, and I want everyone across our county to have those same opportunities to get active and boost their wellbeing.
“Crossing the milestone of 100 backed projects means that more people with dementia, Disabled residents, and families in our most deprived areas can experience the joy of movement.
“By backing grassroots initiatives led by passionate local people, we are giving our communities the tools to come together and lead healthier, happier, and more connected lives.”
Working alongside North Yorkshire Sport, projects supported in this round include new facilities at Harmby Village Hall to keep residents active and connected, purpose-built facilities for the village of Terrington, and new outdoor fitness and play facilities at Hawes Community Fields.
North Yorkshire Sport Active Communities Team said:
“Round 2 of the Movement, Activity and Sport Fund has seen a further 60 organisations across a range of sectors develop new and innovative programmes to support the health of York and North Yorkshire.
“From Staithes and Scarborough on the coast, to Skipton and Bentham on the west, we’re excited to see improved accessibility and access to movement in local communities, particularly for women and girls, disabled people and rural areas.”
In Bentham a new weekly parkrun will bring free, inclusive events to the town for the first time, with several more projects widening access to sport for disabled people and those with additional needs countywide.
Bentham Town Council said:
"The Bentham Boost Team are absolutely delighted to have been awarded £4,000 towards establishing a Parkrun in Bentham. This funding will make a huge difference in helping us get the event off the ground and create something that can benefit the whole community for years to come.
"Parkrun is about much more than running; it’s a free, welcoming weekly event where people can walk, jog, run, volunteer or simply come along and be part of the atmosphere.
"We hope Bentham Parkrun will encourage more people to be active, bring people together and provide another reason for people to enjoy our fantastic local area.
"We’re incredibly grateful for the support and are really excited to take the next steps towards bringing a Parkrun to Bentham."
Richmond Dales Amateur Swimming Club has received support expanding its inclusive swimming programme, MySight York is creating new opportunities for blind and partially sighted people, and Ryedale Special Families will create a fully accessible outdoor activity area at its new hub for disabled children and young people.
Mysight York said:
“MySight York funding from the David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, will allow us to launch ‘Being Active’ new adapted development golf and tennis sessions, the only ones of their kind in York for people with sight loss.
“Adapted golf and tennis will give people a reason to get outdoors and stay active, something many told us they'd missed since losing their vision. Both sports will build confidence, independence, and wellbeing, and we know from experience how much that does for people's mental health.
“They'll also help us reach people our current programme doesn't always reach, broadening participation amongst demographics who need it most. But it's not just about the activity.
“We're building a community around each group, so people find friendship and peer support as well as a new sport.”
For a full list of the successful projects, please visit Movement, Activity and Sport Investment Programme > York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
