The Charlton Upbeats (mit Video)

Freitag, 27. November 2009

The Charlton Upbeats is a project run by the Charlton Athletic Community Trust to support playing opportunities for youngsters with Down's syndrome.

The project has been selected to be the focus of a special report by ITV's London Tonight on Thursday, November 26th, 2009, at 6pm, when the Upbeats will go head to head against another charitable programme as part of the People's Millions competition.

This special film was shown to Charlton fans on the big screen at The Valley at half-time of the matches against Milton Keynes Dons and Bristol Rovers - and the Upbeats are appealing for everyone to vote so they can secure vital extra funds for the project.



Trust disability and mental health officer Carl Krauhaus said: "This extra funding would not only help us continue to provide opportunities on the pitch through football, but would also provide vital speech and language therapy, respite care for parents and programmes for siblings, and a chance to work hand in hand with members of our community on environmental projects."

The Down's syndrome programme runs for 90 minutes every Saturday. More than 60 youngsters have attended since its launch five months ago, and around 25-30 youngsters aged between five and 26 attend every week.

The initiative began in partnership with DS Active to provide opportunities for youngsters with Down's to access and enjoy football and other activities at their own speed and at a level that is manageable for them.

The trust has made a funding request for £37,800 to support its work under the Kick Start for Life programme.

Fans can support the trust's work by casting their vote by phone between 9am and midnight on November 26th. See www.cafc.co.uk from 9am for the phone number to call.

For more information about the Charlton Upbeats, call 020-8850 2866.