The triumphant return of Keighley athletes from the national Special Olympics has prompted a call for further fundraising.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford wants townspeople to organise events to help more people with learning disabilities take part in sport.
The mayor, Keighley councillor Khadim Hussain, said cash was needed to give everyone an equal chance to participate.
He added: “I want Keighley to be at the forefront of the fundraising.
“Keighley people are renowned for their generosity, and I’m sure we can count on them.”
Coun Hussain is devoting the proceeds of this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal to Bradford Disability Sports and Leisure (BDSL), which runs several sports clubs in Keighley.
BDSL athletes spent five days in Bath last week competing against 1,700 other young people and adults in the Special Olympics 2013.
The 32-strong squad, about half of them from the Keighley area, brought home seven gold medals, 12 silvers and 12 bronzes.
Coun Hussain said the “remarkable” medal haul – one of the biggest-ever for Bradford district – was only part of the story for those taking part.
He added: “If you win, that’s a bonus, but we equip them with skills, self-confidence and being part of the community. It improves quality of life and opens up access.
“The competition showed that everyone has strengths.”
Coun Hussain said the Lord Mayor’s Appeal was also about changing attitudes.
He urged individuals and groups to organise special fundraising events.
Contact the fundraising office on 01274 432276 or at lord.mayor@brad ford.gov.uk.
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