Local MSP Jackie Baillie has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament to congratulate Dunbartonshire Disability Sports Club on being voted as one of the Charities of the Year 2015 by employees at Chivas Brothers. The company has now donated £5,000 to help the club expand the range of activities available for local children.

DDSC was founded in 2010 in response to a lack of opportunities for children in West Dunbartonshire with disabilities to participate in physical activities. Since its inception, it has developed into a thriving community resource that gives children and young people with a disability the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.

Jackie, who has been Honorary President of the Dunbartonshire Disability Sports Club since 2013, asked fellow MSPs at Holyrood to join her in thanking staff at Chivas for their generous spirit.

Jackie said:

“I was delighted to hear that Chivas staff have nominated Dunbartonshire Disability Sports Club as their Charity of the Year. DDSC is a valuable asset for many children in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and across the region who would otherwise find it difficult to get involved in sport. The club is entirely run by volunteers so this partnership with Chivas will help ensure that the organisation continues to thrive over the next twelve months as it seeks to expand and develop the range of activities on offer.”

Title: Chivas Brothers’ Staff Name Dunbartonshire Disability Sports Club, Charity of the Year

Motion Text:

That the Parliament congratulates Dunbartonshire Disability Sports Club (DDSC) on being voted Charity of the Year 2015 by the employees of the whisky producer, Chivas Brothers; understands that the charity, which was founded in 2010, tackles the lack of opportunities for disabled children to participate in physical activities; believes that it also engages with young disabled people to help develop their social, motor and cognitive skills through physical activity; considers that this work provides much needed respite opportunities for parents and carers; considers that DDSC is an invaluable community asset and expresses its gratitude to all staff and volunteers on their work in raising the awareness and the profile of disability sports, and thanks the staff of Chivas Brothers on what it considers their generosity.