Pupils with learning difficulties from Rowdeford School will be able to look the part at sporting events, following a donation from heating oil distributor Butler Fuels.
Butler Fuels, located on London Road, Devizes, donated £600 to the school – which teaches 130 pupils with special needs – after Lynda Friel, PE coordinator, applied to the company for funding.
The donation, made as part of Butler Fuels’ sports bursary scheme, was invested in 12 custom-made tracksuits for the school’s sports team.
The pupils enjoy representing their school at sporting competitions, however until recently they had to play in their plain blue PE kits. The tracksuits will boost their confidence and self-esteem when they compete against both disabled and able-bodied rivals in sports such as trampolining, rugby, football and boccia.
Lynda said: “We really can’t emphasise how much of a difference these tracksuits have made to our pupils. It has given them a sense of pride and belonging while making them feel as though they are part of a team.
“They can’t wait to don these tracksuits and represent their school.”
Sue Lewis, regional manager at Butler Fuels, said: “This donation is part of our commitment to support local sports clubs which may have struggled for funding in the past. The sports team at Rowdeford School is a perfect fit and we’re so pleased the pupils like their new tracksuits.
“They really look the part and we wish them the best of luck in future competitions.”