Thursday 26th July 2007
Votes of almost a million members helped to raise £100,000 for Disability Sport Events at Nationwide Building Society’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday. Graham Beale, Nationwide Chief Executive presented Hollie Arnold, Matthew Whorwood and Jack Spencer- DSE athletes who appeared in the AGM campaign material- with a cheque for £100,000 before the proceedings.
The money donated to DSE will go directly to individual disabled athletes and to regional volunteers who play a vital role in encouraging and enabling disabled people to compete in sporting events. It will also continue to maintain the position of a Participation Officer at the DSE Head Office – a role designed specifically to increase participation by disabled people in competitive sports. Last year, Nationwide also chose DSE as their official charity and this further donation will continue DSE’s fantastic long term partnership with the Society.
At the event held in Birmingham, members also voted for Nationwide Building Society to join the PerCent Standard. This will enable the Society to donate at least 1% of its pre-tax profits to charity, community and environmental activities each year.
Commenting on the result, Jonathan Agnew, outgoing Chairman of Nationwide, said: “I am delighted that so many of our members have chosen to use their vote this year and that they have overwhelmingly supported our proposal to donate 1% of our pre tax profits to charity, community and environmental activities each year. This will make a real difference to millions of people’s lives. In addition with almost a million members voting this year we will be making a donation of £100,000 to DSE which will be a huge boost for the UK’s disabled sports people.”
Applications for the Nationwide Disability Sports Awards will be available shortly on DSE’s website www.disabilitysport.org.uk. The exclusive awards event will be held in Manchester at the end of the year, where many talented athletes and dedicated volunteers will collect bursaries to assist their work. One outstanding athlete will also take home £6,000 as part of the Rising Star Award.
