By Micky Ross
Your 107th consecutive donation since 2003 was made to ‘Specialsport’ who are a non-profit organization that gives children and young people with special needs and disabilities a better future, with hands-on help for families to be able to access clubs and communities. Their goal is that all children and young people with special needs have access to an active club life.
The donation presentation took place in the early afternoon on matchday at a location handy for Central station, which made for an excellent turnout by the Tartan Army. With an equally impressive number of supporters of Specialsport in attendance, it made for a very busy room. Local businesses who share the premises had paid for a good spread of nibbles and soft drinks which the TA assembled set about demolishing in order to ease their hangovers!
Specialsport chairman, Peter Vesterheden, got proceedings going with a welcome to the Tartan Army before handing over to TASA chairman, Neil Forbes, who did his usual sterling job of explaining a little of the history of TASA and how Specialsport came to be our charity of choice for this donation. We were then entertained by a fine set of tunes from resident TASA piper and steering group member, Mark Love, this time accompanied by Callum Bain.
Neil then handed over to Specialsport founder Trine Ravn, who explained in more depth what they did and how it benefits the children.
Then a surprise guest. Ex-professional footballer, Jonathan Richter, explained how his career ended when he lost a leg after being hit by lightning. He spoke about how helping to rehabilitate kids had not only helped them, but gave him a renewed purpose in life. He also spoke of his affinity for Scottish fans after playing against Queen of the South for Nordsjaelland in the UEFA Cup in 2008 and seeing the passion of the travelling fans. He didn’t play in the return game at Airdrie’s ground (a match I attended!), but his twin brother did play. However, Jonathan still travelled to that match and met a lot of friendly Scots which had made a lasting impression on him.
The event was rounded off with more tunes from Mark & Callum.
Thankyou to everyone who made an effort to attend the event and, as ever, a huge thankyou to all our wonderful supporters, whose donations allow us to do what we do.
#EverywhereWeGo!
A Bit More Info…
Why are sports and clubs vital to life?
Sports and clubs can give everyone great experiences, boost self-esteem and not least,
create lifelong friendships. This also applies to children and young people who may
normally be challenged to participate in communities or follow the activities.
There are a wide range of benefits to physical activity and community associations,
including making more friends and be less lonely, being happier and more satisfied with
life.
There are obstacles – but there are also solutions and opportunities
At Specialsport they help with concrete solutions which can be anything from finding
the right sport, to a volunteer companion who can safely accompany the kids to and
from the sport. They have helped many children and young people with special needs to
get involved in an active club life.
Your donation will be used to continue the work they do, both now and in the future.