New dragon boat is a soaring success thanks to Small Grants funding

Dragon BoatElizabeth Howe launches the dragon boat that is named after her

As applications for 2012/2013 Small Grants and Sportsmatch funding opens, previous recipient Longridge celebrated their award with the launch of their new dragon boat, the ‘Elizabeth Howe’.

The Buckinghamshire-based activity centre, which provides a range of water sports and land-based activities for young people of all abilities, received £9,346 of Small Grants funding for the new dragon boat – which has been named after the Countess Howe of Amersham, a tireless support of the centre.

“Dragon boating is incredibly popular with the adults and children that come to Longridge as it embodies fun and team spirit,” said Amanda Foister, Longridge Director.  “Longridge now has a fleet of four dragon boats and the capacity for up to 80 people to take part in the sport at any one time.”

“This investment is going to make a big difference Longridge and ensure many more people have the chance to take part in dragon boat racing”, said Hannah Bladen, Sport England’s Strategic Lead Local Relationships (South). “Through our funding, we are focussed on helping people and communities build a sporting habit for life.”

The 2012/2013 Small Grants and Sportsmatch programmes are the first funding streams to make awards with the new 14 – 25 focus, reflecting our new Youth and Community strategy.

From April 1, all applications submitted will have to show how they meet our strategic outcomes of:

  • An increase in the proportion of 14-25’s playing sport once a week
  • A growth in regular (once a week) participation for all those aged 14+
  • A reduction in drop off at key ages
  • Growth in participation by people with a disability

Through Sportsmatch, clubs can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 with a total of £3 million available annually. Small Grants offers awards of between £300 and £10,000 with an annual total of £7 million available.

Over the last year across both programmes, Sport England has received 2045 applications and made 1122 awards with a total investment of £8.9m.

Further information on all of our funding streams can be found on our Funding pages.

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