Thank You Wilson Foundation - Together, We Have Supported The Young People Of Northamptonshire Through The Pandemic With Sporting Role Models
Thank You Wilson Foundation - Together, We Have Supported The Young People Of Northamptonshire Through The Pandemic With Sporting Role Models
We only need to look at the cancellation of large sporting events throughout 2020 and 2021 to see the disruption to the charity sector; the unpredictable income generation in conjunction with the increased demand for services has significantly impacted the Mintridge Foundation. According to the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, charities remain overwhelmingly negative about the financial impact of Covid – 19, with the vast majority expecting their 2021 income to be less than forecasted pre – crisis.
With this in mind, the Mintridge community couldn’t be happier to have received continued support from the Wilson Foundation. Together, we were able to help the generation that is arguably going to be most impacted by the pandemic in as accessible and as safe a way as possible. Digitisation has been paramount in ensuring that Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars are reaching our beneficiaries to deliver their important messages around both physical and mental wellbeing. Messages and guidance from an elite athlete sinks in in a different way, it makes young people sit up and listen. Here is how the Mintridge Foundation Ambassadors did just that thanks to the generosity of the Wilson Foundation.
England Rugby Star, Justine Lucas virtually headed to Corby Technical School to work with Year 7 – 11 students, where she spoke of her illustrious career both on and off the rugby pitch and the importance of maintaining a healthy life balance from that. Life balance has become increasingly “blurred” throughout the pandemic and the messaging was able to resonate with the students. You can read more about this brilliant programme below.
Our inspiring Ambassadors were not stopping there. Dan Powell, who will be heading to Tokyo for the Paralympic Games later this year, wanted to join in the fun and help support the next generation too with thanks to the Wilson Foundation by a virtual assembly at Corby Business Academy. A key word that Dan focussed on was RESILIENCE, a key example of how sport transcends life. Has there ever been a more important time to focus on this and overcoming the constant barriers that that the pandemic is putting in young people’s way. Everyone took so much from the session, and you can read more about it here.
Inclusivity is at the forefront of all that the Mintridge Foundation does and this is why our hearts were simply doing cartwheels when the Wilson Foundation support was extended to the students at Red Kite Special Academy. This support was via a virtual presentation with double Paralympic Gold Medallist, Danielle Brown MBE. Danielle was able to demonstrate real life examples of how her growth mindset has enabled her to look at her ability rather than any disability. As Red Kite is a school with a richly diverse community with many special needs, languages, cultures and religions, the opportunity for students to enjoy Danielle’s positivity was really well received. Danielle was able to develop aspirations; reinforcing a key objective of the school. To read more about how the Wilson Foundation’s support enabled us to achieve this, just here.
Last but by no means least on the formidable line up of Wilson Foundation Programme Ambassadors, was the Horse & Hound Amateur Rider of the Decade and proud Mintridge Ambassador, Evie Toombes. Evie’s outlook on life and the severe health challenges that she constantly battles with the greatest positivity was the perfect tonic for students that have had a lot to face during the uncertainty of 2020 and 2021. To read more about the inspirational advice, you can do so just here.
“Find a way, not an excuse.”
We cannot thank the Wilson Foundation enough for allowing our services to continue – a collaboration that we hope will make Northamptonshire proud.
To read more about the support that the Wilson Foundation have given Team Mintridge in the past, you can do so below.
If you would like to learn more about the wonderful support that registered charity, the Mintridge Foundation has received from the Wilson Foundation (a registered charity established to give a “helping hand” to young people in Northamptonshire, in memory of the late Connolly Thomas Wilson OBE, please contact Alex Wallace.
If you would like to understand more about our mentoring programmes with elite athletes and how they can support the young people at your school or club, please contact Katie Smith.
The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. We provide a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models. The Mintridge Foundation assists young people of all ages, abilities and physical capabilities to develop confidence and resilience, and creates awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing through sport.
Our team of Ambassadors - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual - work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK. Starting with visits including assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions tailored to each organisation’s requirements, our ambassadors can then provide one- on- one remote mentoring in a safeguarded environment, delivered via technology such as Fitswarm and Playwaze to build a lasting legacy for individuals.
The Mintridge Foundation’s successes demonstrate the incredible power of sport; from a mentee’s selection to represent Great Britain in their chosen field to enabling disabled children to find confidence and happiness just through participation. Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.
The Mintridge Foundation
Unit 4, Shieling Court
Northfolds Road
Corby
Northants
NN18 9QD
Tel: +44 (0) 1536 447106
