A North Wales wheelchair sports club is thriving thanks to funding taken from the proceeds of crime.
Rhyl Raptors has had a boost from the 'Your Community, Your Choice' fund, backed by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, North Wales Police and Community Trust, and North Wales Police, which gives the money sized by the courts to organisations.
In its 11-year existence, this fund has awarded nearly £600,000 to assist almost 200 projects aiming to reduce neighbourhood crime and support the Police and Crime Commissioner's strategic objectives.
This specific grant is going towards expanding the Raptors' storage capacity for their sports wheelchairs.
Rhyl Raptors run three sessions per week.
The club offers an inclusive environment that promotes community spirit, confidence-building, and physical well-being.
Kelsey Reed, PACT; PCC Andy Dunbobbin; PCSO Thatcher Rysavy, North Wales Police; Dave Evans, PACT; and Mike Hayes, Rhyl Raptors Founder, along with players from Rhyl Raptors in red and Conwy Thunder in black (Image: Police and Crime Commissioner)
This year, they've entered the North Wales Wheelchair Basketball League, fielding competitors across various age categories.
On June 25, the club received a visit from Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, who went to see how the money is being used.
Rhyl Raptors said: "As a club, Rhyl Raptors have seen an incredible growth within our membership post Covid and as a result we are quickly outgrowing our current storage facility where we keep all our sports wheelchairs.
"Thanks to the funding received via Your Community, Your Choice and in partnership with Denbighshire Leisure we will now have an amazing storage unit we can make use of to allow the club to continue to grow.
"We are so pleased that the Police and Crime Commissioner was with us on our games night as it showcased the juniors and adults we have who benefit massively from the work we do."
Mr Dunbobbin said: "I was delighted to visit everyone at Rhyl Raptors.
"The club helps build a sense of belonging and empowerment for everyone involved, and that is why the club is so important for the community.
"Rhyl Raptors stand as a great example of energy and empowerment for people in North Wales and I am glad that through Your Community, Your Choice we can help widen access, activity, and inclusivity for everyone involved."
For more information on Rhyl Raptors and their endeavours, visit: www.facebook.com/RhylRaptorsWSC
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