Leighton Linslade - Yes we Can

It’s was warm spring evening on Monday as 80 very proud local Rotarians and Guests gathered to receive the Rotary Great Britain and Ireland Community Cup 2018/19 for its Yes we Can Initiative to bring affordable and sustainable sporting opportunities to those with a Disability.

National Rotary President Debbie Hodge attended to present local Rotary President Nick Inwards with the trophy and to experience firsthand from Rotarians, and Sporting Partners, like MK Dons, represented on the night by Director John Cove, the impact the Initiative has had on those with a Disability in South & West Bedfordshire.

Rotary has been able to bring a number of organisations together to deliver Yes we Can and every single one has played a vital part over the last 20 months; however a special mention is needed for two people. Dani Harding from Mencap who got behind the Initiative on day one and who has been a really enthusiastic advocate, and long standing Leighton Linslade resident Christine Munford who has run Otters Disability Swimming for over 25 years and who has been the inspiration that led Rotary to launch “Yes We Can “.

A big thank you was also recorded on the night to all the Initiatives financial supporters, particularly FAI Auto Parts and OMM Solicitors but most of all the people of Leighton-Linslade because it’s by supporting Rotary events that they are helping to change lives.

Yes we Can

Meet our new logo, over the last eighteen months we have trialed several to meet our aim target of inclusivity for all. The design was thought up by club member Simon and will be used on our marketing in the future.

Our name came out of a brain storming session and was suggested by Dani Harding from Mencap. She has provided inspirational support in making our dream come true.

We are planning for the future; This is our first step to reaching out to our disability community. By the end of the year we will have built a new web site and established a presence on social media to help us provide support to the widest parts of our community.

Partners

President Nick Inwards said

“Bringing home any trophy is a Fantastic achievement, bringing a National Trophy to Leighton Linslade is Monumental and almost unheard of. Helping to change people’s lives is truly Remarkable.

Rotary is making a real and lasting difference to communities”

Yes we Can is a partnership between Rotary and its local community of sports clubs, community facilitators and local sponsors. Its great to have so many join us for the evening. Christine Munford is shown holding the cup. She has run the Otters swimming club in the town for over 35 years.

  Our Town

Leighton Linslade Rotary Club is a community club and follow the principles of Rotary upheld throughout the World.

In the town we provide many activities including the May Fayre, Bonfire Night, Brains Quiz and Santa comes to Leighton. We are proud to work with over 40 local groups to raise over £40,000 each year to support local and International causes.

With the support of our town we have made it possible to support local disability sport through the establishment of Yes we Can the sports club.

We are looking to grow and are find new members. To learn more visit our web site at: - www.leightonlinsladerotary.com

Inspiration for our programme

Rotarian Dick Johnson first raised the idea of working with MK SET in 2016 as our club started to widen its focus on serving our community.

The relationship with SET grew quickly. When Dick became club President in July 2017, he put forward the idea of developing a longer term project to provide s disability sports programme for Leighton Linslade.

Thanks to the support of the club  Yes we Can was born.

We can hardly believe how quickly the programme has grown and caught the imagination of a much wider audience. Today we work with so many groups to provide a disability sports provision through a network of clubs, dedicated individuals, sponsors and Rotary.

Yes we Can continues to grow, thanks to the dedication of Dick and Sandra Johnson and Rotary

Focus on our Sports

The Silver Arrows	Leighton Bowls Club
The Buzzards	Leighton Buzzard Hockey Club
Spectrum Community Arts	The Otters Swimming Club
Linslade Tennis Club	To join Yes we Can Contact Dick or Sandra at tahomasandra@icloud.com