Simplyhealth has awarded a grant to DSActive, the innovative sports programme for children and adults with Down’s syndrome, run nationally by the charity, the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA).
“The coaches are brill, they’re fantastic; they make me feel proud and lovely when I play football. I really like football so much.” (Player, Charlton Upbeats)
DSActive was created to enable people with Down’s syndrome to access sport and exercise to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many participants have significantly improved their weight management and fitness along with their self-confidence, social awareness and self-esteem. Being part of DSActive is sometimes the only opportunity children and adults have to take part in sport within their local community.
“He’s not naturally a very sporty type… for the last 2 years it has become a real highlight for him and has really helped his fitness & gross motor skills…he loves the chance to play in a proper game.”(father of 9 year old QPR Tiger Club player)
“This has given my son a sporting and social opportunity that he would not otherwise have had.” (mother of 10 year old Halton Tennis Club player)
The generous grant from Simplyhealth is for the development of six additional tennis and football clubs around the country. The funds will enable the DSActive clubs to receive training and support in the initial stages of setting-up their programmes. The coaches will also be trained and a DSActive logbook will be trailed.
Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the DSA says: “DSActive is making a real difference to the lives of children and adults who participate in the sports programme. DSActive not only helps with well-being, it provides the participants with a valuable opportunity to meet like-minded people and improve their self-confidence. Simplyhealth has an amazing tradition of charitable support and we really appreciate that they have supported us again with the generous grant for DSActive.”
Simplyhealth is a key supporter of the DSA, previously funding the production of the DSA’s Health Book which has transformed healthcare for people with Down’s syndrome for over 14 years. The invaluable Health Book is used by GPs at individual’s annual health check, allowing for more consistent healthcare.
Sarah Ford, Chair of Simplyhealth Charitable Committee comments: “It’s clear that the DSActive clubs means so much to many children and families across the UK. We’re delighted to be able to fund six additional football and tennis clubs which will help people with Down’s Syndrome to maintain healthy lifestyles, whilst importantly, have lots of fun!”
About Simplyhealth
Since 1872 – long before the existence of the NHS – we’ve been helping people to make the most of life, by managing their everyday health needs. We ensure over 3 million people in the UK have access to health products, services and support they need, when they need them and at a price they can afford.
We’re proud to be the leading provider of health cash plans, dental payment and pet health plans. Whereas once we were known purely for cash plans, we now offer a wide range of products and services to cater for peoples’ everyday health needs – now and into the future.
Helping people make the most of life is our sole purpose and giving back is a huge part of that. In 2015 we were able to donate £1.6 million to charitable causes, touching the lives of nearly 825,000 people across the UK. Our future success and performance will enable us to deliver our ongoing pledge to donate 10% of our profits to charity each year.
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