A Sheffield Para ice hockey club is relying on “crucial” donations to send some of their members to Norway for a global championship.
The Sheffield Steelkings are hoping to raise £2,000 for their players to be able to represent Great Britain in the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships B-Pool.
The club is fully self-funded and relies on crucial charity work and fundraisers to be able to provide this opportunity for the team. When asked what going to Norway means to him, one of the members, Paul Brown, 33, said: “For your family to watch you on telly […] it’s a massive sense of achievement.
“If it wasn’t for people’s donations, we’d never be able to represent the country.”
Mr Brown joined the Steelkings around a year ago after having one of his legs amputated. He said: “The club as a whole is one of the best things I’ve been involved with.
“Rather than being a club, we are like one big family.”
The club, which was founded in 2014, provides a space for those of all ages with disabilities to get involved in contact sports. Alongside the physical benefits of the game, the club also has a focus on creating a supportive community.
The team regularly go out for meals and always finds the time to help each other. Mr Brown credits the club with aiding him throughout his recovery.
He said: “Without that club, I don’t know where I’d be.”
The club has not only had an impact on its players but also on children in the local community. Mr Brown said he frequently has children come up to him after games asking for photos and signatures.
He said: “To these kids that have got these disabilities, it’s giving them hope, as well, that somewhere down the line this could be them.”
The club is in the process of starting up a kids academy to offer children the chance to get involved in para ice hockey.
Mr Brown’s fundraising page is available here.
