A recent funding boost from Greater Bank is assisting Frame Running Wollongong with their aim of enriching the lives of children with a disability by enabling them to enjoy the freedom of getting out and active.
Frame Running Wollongong has received $2000 for taking out the public vote in the March round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterIllawarra community funding program that will assist them in providing a unique community sporting service operating in the Illawarra.
Frame Running Wollongong facilitates the sport of Frame Running for children with a disability or impaired balance, providing an outlet where they feel safe, secure, supported and equal on custom-designed 3-wheel Frame Runners, which provides participants with freedom of movement.
Frame Running Wollongong Director Renee Jurgielan said they want to provide inclusive sporting activities.
“We are a proactive group of parents and physios that have created a new community experience enabling children with a disability to run with the aid of a Frame Runner,” Renee said.
“We have 19 kids registered with conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, heart defects and other serious life-threatening disabilities that affect mobility and balance.
“Frame Running Wollongong is not a competitive sport, it’s about inclusive sporting fun, playing games, making new friends, feeling the freedom of movement and putting a smile on their faces.
“We have secured the Sports Hub at the University of Wollongong to meet one afternoon a week, with a physiotherapist and a school teacher on hand to help the kids.
“Each frame costs $4,000 to $6,000, so the money from the Greater Illawarra Community Funding Program is very welcome and will help to pay for a frame for one of our participants.”
Renee Jurgielan, Frame Running Wollongong Director
Also benefiting from this month’s community funding round were runners up, Mount Ousley Physical Culture and Thirroul Junior Surf Life Saving Club, both receiving $500.
Greater Bank’s Illawarra Regional Sales Manager, Greg Creagan, said kids just want to be kids.
“All kids deserve the chance to run and play with other kids and Frame Running Wollongong opens doors for kids with a disability to do things many of their peers take for granted,” Greg said.
“Greater Bank is proud to be able to make a contribution towards giving more kids in the Illawarra that opportunity.”
Voting in the April round of the #GreaterIllawarra Community Funding Program is now open, and closes at 5.00pm Wednesday April 27 2022.
Animal Care Collection Illawarra, Lost and Found Pets Illawarra Inc and Australian Seabird Rescue South Coast are in the running for a share of the $3000 monthly prize.
The public can vote online at greater.com.au/greaterillawarra
