A Karate volunteer in Renfrewshire has been supporting his local community through a variety of outreach programmes.
Terry Connell, a karate coach at Renfrew Shitokai Karate Club has been identifying how he can support his local community, on and off the karate mat.
Ukrainian refugee support
Prior to Christmas, Terry kickstarted an appeal at the club to receive donations of warm clothes, shoes and toiletries for the local Ukrainian families who are residing in Renfrewshire, many of which living in hotels located near Glasgow Airport.
Terry and his club collected many items and worked with Active Schools and the Sport Services staff to coordinate pickups and drop offs. Terry turned this around in quick succession, keeping in contact with the Active Schools team to see what was required so this could be relayed to participants and their families attending the club.
As a result, many families now have access to warm jackets and shoes which have kept them warm and dry when out in the cold this winter.
Arron Dougan, Active Schools and community club development officer for OneRen said: “The outpouring of support from Terry, Renfrew Shitokai Karate Club and the families who are members was outstanding and we can’t thank them enough for there generous support. Many of the families we met have been so touched by the donations and this has been really heart-warming and rewarding for us as a service.”
Targeting Inactive Children
Identified with the support of SMT staff at schools and Active Schools, Terry offered free Karate tuition to pupils who were identified through the pupil activity survey as inactive. He offered several spaces to each of the primary schools in the local community, running a block of sessions.
The pupils were taught the basics of Karate and as a result, Terry has built some fantastic relationships with parents and pupils in the community who look forward to their weekly karate lesson.
Arron said:
“The impact of these sessions has been great. Terry has created an environment that is safe, nurturing, and inclusive which has led to a really successful piece of work.
“We’re working closely with Terry and the club to get the club up and running again, and working with the local schools to arrange school visits and mass taster sessions!
“From a community sport hub point of view, it’s been really rewarding for us to see one of our member clubs really buy into our programme and work with us to support people who are most at need during these pressing times.”
Community sport hubs
Renfrew Shitokai Karate Club are a member of the Renfrew/Gallowhill Community Sport Hub, part of the national sportscotland community sport hubs programme that brings sports clubs and community organisations together to improve the contribution sport and physical activity has within communities across Scotland.
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