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£50,000 shortfall for water sports project
Feb 20 2006
Plans to engage hundreds of youths from inner-city Birmingham in a water sports project could disappear unless they secure the support of local businesses.
The Youth Water Sports Partnership plans to extend a scheme which currently sees dozens of youths involved with canoeing, sailing, rowing and raft-building activities on Edgbaston Reservoir.
The pilot scheme was set up last summer and organisers want to engage 2,000 young people each year following refurbishment works which will cost £200,000.
However, only £150,000 has been secured so far and another £50,000 is needed by the end of March to ensure the project becomes a reality.
The scheme - which has already enlisted support from local schools, sports clubs, councillors and residents - aims to reduce offending and prevent young people becoming victims of crime.
Midland Sailing Club treasurer Douglas Bridger said: "We believe we have three-quarters of the funding in place. But we need to have secured another £50,000 by the end of March or we will lose the rest of the grants"
The project is being backed by Midland Sailing Club, Birmingham City Council's Out-door Education Centre, and Lordswood Boys' School Specialist Sports College, in Edgbaston. Birmingham Rowing Club, Birmingham Canoe Club and other local groups are also involved.
Neil Mackintosh, from Lordswood Boys' School, said: "The success of the project depends on improving the facilities."
