West Sussex organisation, People’s Partnership, has donated vital sports equipment to Crawley Jets Wheelchair Rugby Club, enabling it to develop its squad.
The not-for-profit pension provider, based in Crawley, has donated six new specialist wheelchairs to the Jets, worth almost £20,000.
Supported by Crawley Rugby Football Club, the Jets were formed in 2019 and compete in the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) 5s league each summer along with friendly and development festivals. They train weekly at the K2 Leisure Centre and are currently looking to recruit new players.
As a result of People’s Partnership’s donation, the Jets now have 10 adapted wheelchairs, which means they’re able to remain competitive.
The wheelchairs were officially presented to the club on Monday evening (March 6th) by Patrick Heath-Lay, Chief Executive of People’s Partnership, which provides The People’s Pension to more than six million people across the country.
Commenting, he said
“As a local Crawley-based organisation, with deep roots in our community, we are delighted that we have been able to support the Crawley Jets Wheelchair Rugby Club.
“Enabling the club to buy their new chairs will support them to raise their profile, expand their team and make the sport even more accessible to people in the local community. This resonates strongly with our purpose and values as a company to make a difference for people.”
Mark Keeley, manager of the Crawley Jets, said:
“We’re hugely grateful to People’s Partnership, as its donation means our players are not only able to train regularly but can also continue to compete against other teams across the whole of the UK. Everybody involved with the Jets are volunteers, meaning the support of great local businesses such as People’s Partnership is vital if we are to continue serving our community.”
If you are interested in joining Crawley Jets contact: recruitment@crawleyrfc.com or visit www.crawleyrfc.com.
ENDS
Notes for editors
- People’s Partnership is a profit-for-people organisation. It provides The People’s Pension, a leading workplace pension scheme, serving more than six million pension savers across the UK and manages £20bn in assets. As a business without shareholders, it reinvests its profits with the aim to help customers and achieve better financial outcomes for everyone.
- The Crawley Jets team is part of Crawley RFC – both the club and Crawley Jets won Crawley Community Sports club and team of the year awards in 2022. The rugby club operates as a fully inclusive club with youth, girls, ladies, senior men and wheelchair teams.