PERTH Guildry donates £10,000 to the Perth Strathtay Harriers’ Para Athletics events programme

Lord Dean of Guild Euan Begg and Guild Clerk Douglas McGlashan were welcomed to the first in the Para Sportshall series for Perth and Kinross primary and secondary school youngsters held at the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing Perth UHI by club president Jim Hunter, with around 150 supported young people enjoying a range of activities.

“For the club and our Para Project to be chosen by the Lord Dean and The Guildry Incorporation of Perth as a recipient of funding was a wonderful surprise and recognition of the Harriers’ contribution to our sport in Perth and Kinross,” said Jim.

“The Guildry has been long-time supporters of the Harriers and members have attended a number of events over the years.

“Para athletics and the development of our sport has been at the heart of what Perth Strathtay Harriers is all about. For more than a decade the club and our trained, dedicated volunteers have made it their mission to smash the barriers to participation for all who wish and at whatever level.

“Recognised throughout Scotland for the development of para sport, the challenges to keep the cost of participation low and ensure athletes can be supported with the right equipment and coaching expertise remains a challenge.

“The club delivers a number of weekly sessions, throughout the year, with up to 20 participants at each. Ages range from five years to Senior with a wide range of physical, sensory or learning disabilities. Helping us cover the cost of delivering these events is just one example of how this Guildry funding will make a positive impact on the lives of these very special participants and their families.

“Specialist para equipment and venue hire costs are annual expenses that the funding will also help cover. Over 150 school children participated in a range of Run, Jump, and Throw activities at the UHI event.”

Lord Dean Euan was impressed with the Harriers’ project.

He said: “It was great to see the Guildry Incorporation of Perth’s support already being used to help deliver the first in a series of events.  Perth Strathtay Harriers is a fantastic community club and the Guildry is delighted to help the cause.”

Next up, on Saturday, February 22 a Para Cross Country Run is being held at The George Duncan Track in Perth from noon-1.30pm for juniors and seniors.

Picture shows Euan Begg, Lord Dean of the Guildry Incorporation of Perth, being welcomed to the UHI Para Sportshall event by Jim Hunter (left), president of Perth Strathtay Harriers