OREANDA-NEWS. August 23, 2012. National Grid has celebrated its five year partnership with Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB) by donating a bike and a trike to a cycling initiative.

The specialist tricycle and a bicycle are being donated to the Bikeworks Special Olympics Programme which encourages people with learning difficulties to take up the sport.  Volunteers from National Grid have also been supporting the programme which runs fortnightly training sessions which prepares riders for competitions.

Interest in the SOGB cycling programme is growing but resources are limited. However specialist kit and equipment, as donated by National Grid, is an ideal way to bring novice riders into the sport.

The recumbent tricycle being donated by National Grid is ideal for new riders providing a more laid back reclined position, while still enabling them to enjoy a complete cycling experience.

Nicki Day, All Ability Programme Manager at Bikeworks, explained: “We have seen new riders come along to a competition, try-out day or a club and be able to ride safely, with confidence and feel part of the activity very quickly when we use certain types of equipment.  Equipment is key to releasing the potential for all the Special Olympic riders and enabling more to take part. This gift from National Grid will make a real difference to the Bikeworks team.”

Bikeworks is just one of many sporting activities which SOGB runs across the country, supported by National Grid.

SOGB has over 200 clubs offering opportunities for people with learning disabilities to participate in sport every day

National Grid became the first ever official partner of SOGB in 2007 and remains its foremost supporter today. Employees are actively involved with SOGB through volunteering at local clubs, events and fundraising.