Sporting Challenge’s Christmas bowling night took place on the Monday in Southport but it was a little different than usual!

The group members all took part in a seasonal “Best Christmas Jumper” Competition, and there were all kinds of jumpers on show.

The winners were chosen by a special visitor on the night, Joan Ford from the Community Foundation for Lancashire who is a Community Philanthropy Manager for Donor Care & Community Engagement.

She told QLocal: “It was great to see the group in action after having funded it on several occasions. I really enjoyed talking to some of the members and finding out more about how they benefitted from the group and what difference it made to their lives.”

The Community Foundation for Lancashire recently awarded the group £500 from the Lancashire Community Investment Fund. This grant will fund some of the group’s activities.

Registered charity Sporting Challenge was set up in 2008 by a group of parent carers to provide sporting activities for around 45 people aged 16+ with learning disabilities to keep them fit and healthy. The Activities take place across West Lancashire during the evening and sometimes at weekends.

Added Edward McCarthy, Sporting Challenge Activities Co-ordinator: “The bowling was a lot of fun, I am glad so many people wore their Christmas Jumpers too, which added to the Christmassy feel of the night.

"It was also great to meet Joan from the Community Foundation for Lancashire.

"Charities are constantly looking ahead and trying to fund their activities so meeting one of our funders was a great opportunity to show what we do in practice.

“The recent funding award is fantastic news and helps fund our activities which our group really enjoy. Our group really enjoy our sessions, and at the same time their families will be also to be able to have a short break too from their carer duties. A big thank-you to the Community Foundation for Lancashire on behalf of the group.”

For more information on Sporting Challenge Activities visit www.sporting-challenge.org.uk or call 07971 299606 or email EdwardatEMSS@gmail.com

For more information on the Community Foundation for Lancashire visit – http://www.lancsfoundation.org.uk/