A GROUND-BREAKING charity in Dorset which aims to change people’s perceptions of disability, has been awarded a £15,000 grant.

KiteRight was founded in April 2012 by Bournemouth resident, Gary Hawkins, as the world’s first charity dedicated to using kite sports to help people with physical, mental health or learning disabilities.

The £15,000 grant from Sported, the UK’s largest Sport for Development charity, will be used to develop the club, purchase new equipment, and train young disabled and non-disabled people as coaches and instructors.

Gary Hawkins, founder and chairman of KiteRight, said: “We work with people with a wide range of needs and abilities.

“We’ve found that kiting really helps those people overcome their challenges, improve their quality of life and integrate back into the community.

The support we receive from Sported and all our other supporters is greatly appreciated and we hope that we’ve laid the foundations for many more years to come.”

Sported provides funding and business support to grassroots community groups which deliver programmes which are aimed at transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people through sport.

KiteRight was also awarded the support of Sported volunteer business mentor and Wimborne resident, John Boyd. John has been working closely with Gary for the last seven months, using his expertise to develop a three-year business plan.

Hannah Colston, South West regional manager at Sported, added: “Gary has put his heart and soul into getting the project off the ground, and it is testament to his vision and hard work that the charity has been able to attract such strong support.

“KiteRight is committed to breaking down barriers to participation and improving access to a sport that can be enjoyed by all.”