Sponsorship for York Sharks

It is important sport is accessible to every individual in the community regardless of physical ability. We’re proud to be sponsoring York Sharks, an all-inclusive club which brings together those who are able-bodied, physically impaired and individuals with learning disabilities to share a love of wheelchair basketball.

York Sharks meet twice a week to bring wheelchair basketball to the lives of York residents. The team collaborates with organisations such as SASH, Wetwheels Yorkshire, InkBlot Films and ourselves to join in practices and raise awareness and support the club.

Minster’s sponsorship of £1,000 will provide funding so disabled members and their families can take trips on Wetwheels Yorkshire’s boats. Wetwheels, one of our charity partners, provides specially modified boats so disabled people can access the sea in a safe and stimulating way.

Alongside our sponsorship, a team of colleagues at Minster: Maxwell Wrate, Karen Loomes, Naomi Mason, Bill Lee, Ajla Fisher and Matthew Itson have also been fundraising to support the running of the club financially. As part of York Sharks, they have been taking part in the wheelchair basketball sessions, as well as their recent game against SASH, a charity working to prevent youth homelessness. Once fundraising has been completed, this will be match funded by the business.

Matthew Itson, trainee solicitor at Minster, said: ‘I’m thrilled to be raising money for this great organisation, which provides a safe, inclusive atmosphere for everyone to play sport and have fun. The team have been so welcoming, and getting the opportunity to practice with them each week has made it clear that the money we raise is needed and will go to a worthy cause. In fact, I have loved it so much that I’ll be continuing to play with the Sharks long after the match and have officially joined the team!’