The Wirral Globe reports on the new Mosslands charity, Embrace. 

The Mosslands School in Wallasey has launched a charity initiative to raise money for specialist sports wheelchairs.

The Mosslands Embrace Charity – launched on the back of the successful 2012 Paralympics – aims to raise enough money to buy six Quick Hit Sports wheelchairs, as well as raise awareness of disability sports across the borough.

The school, which has a number of pupils with varying disabilities, is bidding to enhance its disability sports facilities and also encourage able-bodied pupils to participate in sports with their fellow pupils.

Learning resource assistant Tom Keggin is leading the 'sports for all' charity initiative alongside colleague Lesley Cubbin.

He said: "We are an inclusive school and felt that we wanted to offer more sports to our SEN (Special Education Needs) pupils.

"We already have assistants in PE lessons who help the boys to take part, but knew that we could do more, not just with better facilities but through days out and sports trips.

"Last term a group of our pupils enjoyed a trip to The Oval Leisure Centre in Bebington for a Paralympics Day with other schools from the North West, with sports such as Boccia, wheelchair basketball and New Age Kurling.

"The Quick Hit Sports Wheelchairs cost £500 each and are much lighter, faster and more mobile than standard electric wheelchairs; they will really enhance our disabled pupils’ experience and participation in both PE and extra-curricular sports.

"All the pupils and staff at the school have got behind the campaign and we have already had various fundraising events such as cake sales, non-uniform days and art auctions.

"Once we have raised the money for the new wheelchairs, we want to keep on fundraising to get more sports equipment which is designed specifically for disabled users."

The charity has secured part-funding from the Sylvia Adams Charitable Trust and are now working hard to match this.

As part of its fundraising campaign, the school is also working with Wallasey Rotary Club to organise another Paralympics Day for Wirral schools.

Headteacher Adrian Whiteley said: "I am extremely proud of the commitment that the students have shown in launching The Mosslands Embrace Charity.

"The sports wheelchairs will make a huge difference to our disabled students, enhancing their experience and allowing them to take part in many more activities.

"As a school, we want to keep the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics legacy alive and encourage and inspire our students to take part in sports, keeping fit and healthy, improving their communication skills and confidence, as well as having fun."