On the 26^th April at Radley College, Mark Beard, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, held a team racket sports day to raise money for Active Oxfordshire. We are very lucky to be one three charities that Mark has chosen to support during his Shrieval year.

The rackets event featured 14 corporate teams of 4 who took part in Rackets, Real Tennis, Fives, Squash, Badminton and Table Tennis. The victors, Nicholson/Peach Pubs took home the coveted High Sheriff trophy. A silent auction was also part of the day and thanks to generous donations, helped to raise a fantastic £22,500.00! All funds will go to supporting Access Sport Oxfordshire, our county wide inclusive sports programme for young people facing disadvantage.

Hayley Sanders Access Sport Oxfordshire Manager said "We are so grateful to Mark for making Active Oxfordshire one of his chosen charities, and to Radley College for hosting this wonderful event. It was such a fun day, and this funding will help us support community clubs in Oxfordshire. We want to remove some of the barriers young people are facing when wanting to take part in sport. There is a lack of diversity in the coach and volunteer workforce and to help address this we are going to help support the training of individuals wanting to be more involved in sport. "

Why is a project like Access Sport Oxfordshire needed?

In Oxfordshire, 1 in 2 children are not getting enough activity to protect their health and well-being, 1 in 5 children are experiencing significant mental health difficulties and only 35% of disabled children feel confident taking part in sport.

What will Access Sport Oxfordshire Do?

Access Sport Oxfordshire aims to:

• Widen access to sport for young people facing disadvantage with a particular focus on areas of greatest deprivation in the county
• Give disabled children and young people new and inclusive opportunities to enjoy a range of sports
• Create a new generation of diverse sports coaches and leaders for Oxfordshire

Access Sport Oxfordshire launched in February and is currently supporting inclusive cycling group Wheels for All in Witney to purchase additional bikes and trikes for their 2-16yrs sessions. These take place every Saturday 11am-1pm at Wood Green School (OX28 1DX) with 16+ sessions held after.

Later this month, (together with Oxford United in the Community and Cherwell council) we will be working with Banbury Madni Masjid (Mosque) to launch their boys football club.

If you'd like to learn more or are looking for support you can reach Hayley on: hayleysanders@activeoxfordshire.org or 07901 365 429 .