Crystal Palace Powerchair FC has acquired a new powered wheelchair due to fundraising efforts by Cashino Sutton.
Cashino, part of the Praesepe Group of companies, operates 171 gaming centres in the UK and is one of the main fundraisers for CHIPS, a charity established by the casino and gaming industry which aims to supply specialised wheelchairs for children with severe mobility problems.
Linda Lindsey, co-founder of CHIPS, said: “It is so important that our donors see the results of their hard work, and we try to ensure all the recipients are local to where the funds have been raised.
“Praesepe have been amazing, and to date have donated £820,000, allowing CHIPS to provide more than 150 wheelchairs in the country.”
In total, CHIPS has raised more than £2m and presented around 500 wheelchairs to children in the UK.
Crystal Palace PFC were formed five years ago with the aim of providing football to people with disabilities in the area.
It is one of just two powerchair football clubs in south London with the other Greenwich PFC.
Crystal Palace PFC manager Michael Harrington said: “Over the past three seasons the club has really begun to grow.
“However, this has meant we’ve not had enough powerchairs for all the players, so they have to share them around.
“This chair will help get more youngsters involved and allow them to gain the enjoyment and benefits only team sport can bring.
“Our club provides children with the opportunity to play sport, both for fun and competitively, and to meet other children in a similar situation to them.”
POWERED UP: Matthew with his coach Michael Harrington and mum
Matthew, who collected the chair on behalf of the club, said: “This chair will boost the morale of the players in the team. It will be great fun to drive.”
There are 46 powerchair football clubs registered with the Wheelchair Football Association in the UK.
For more information regarding Crystal Palace PFC, email: [email protected]
For more information regarding powerchair football go to: https://www.thewfa.org.uk/
