Sent on behalf of Riding for the Disabled
Park Lane Stables RDA Coach Named the Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year
Teddington, London, UK – Natalie O’Rourke, coach and founder at Park Lane Stables RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association), has been awarded the Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contribution to disabled people through sport, inclusive provision, and community leadership.
At the heart of Natalie’s work is the belief that confidence, independence, and wellbeing grow in environments where people feel safe, supported, and understood. Through inclusive, participant-led sessions that harness the transformative bond between people and horses, Park Lane Stables RDA supports people of all abilities to develop physically, emotionally, and socially – delivering life-changing outcomes, while fostering a sense of belonging and joy.
“I’m totally overwhelmed to have won,” said Natalie O’Rourke. “The other nominees are incredible women carrying out amazing roles in their communities. This award is really for my team and for all the women within RDA who show up every day for others. I’m so grateful my Dad could be with me; he was the first to put me on a pony and has supported my passion for horses my whole life. The sessions we run at Park Lane Stables RDA aren’t just about learning a skill – they’re about creating moments of connection, and confidence, and a bit of pony magic that changes lives. Huge thanks to everyone who voted for me, and special thanks to those who believed in me from day one and continue to support me.”
“Natalie’s achievement is thoroughly deserved and a credit to her leadership at Park Lane Stables RDA,” said Michael Bishop, Chief Executive Officer of RDA. “Her work exemplifies the absolute best of grassroots sport – high-quality, inclusive delivery rooted in safe, supportive community environments where the human–horse connection helps people build confidence, independence, and social connection. This award recognises not only Natalie’s dedication, but the real difference she, her team and nearly 14,000 RDA volunteers make to the lives of disabled people and their families. Across the UK, RDA supports 39,000 disabled people every year, and this recognition highlights how national impact is driven by skilled grassroots leaders, like Natalie, who bring our mission to life in local communities every day.”
RDA congratulates Natalie on this well-deserved honour and celebrates the women, volunteers and communities whose commitment continues to change lives every day.
Words & Image courtesy of https://www.parklanestables.co.uk/