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Launch Day |
| Posted by administrator (administrator) on Nov 01 2009 |
31th August, 2009
Access Sailing Class launch in K.Y.C.
The official launch of Ireland's first sailing programme for children with disabilities programme took place on 29th August, 2009. The day was action packed and family friendly with sailing or cruising for all. Over 120 people in total were on the water in access boats, squibs, sonars and a variety of cruisers available on the day. There was a fun race for the children with 20 boats competing. The race was started by Mr Alan Crosbie, the patron of the Irish Disabled Sailing Association.
The event received support from the Irish Navy and Kinsale Lifeboat.
Mr James Gradwell, president of the Paralympic Council of Ireland was pleased to attend the event and to oversee the hoisting of the class burgee in the clubhouse. This was followed by a barbeque and social afternoon.
The IDSA organised the day with the help of local sponsors, without whom there would have been no barbeque. The club members who volunteered their boats and practical help at the event deserve great praise for giving of their time to make the day special for the children.
The programme is attracting a lot of attention both locally and nationally. There are smaller programmes starting in Galway and Dún Laoghaire with other Clubs earmarked nationally. The ISDA intend to have a vibrant children's programme all over Ireland in the coming years.
The programme is currently offering weekly Saturday sailing sessions, in Kinsale harbour, where up to twenty five children and teenagers receive coaching from qualified instructors. There are two safety ribs on the water at all times and the children also enjoy time in these. Sailing will continue until the end of October.
IDSA chairperson Alison Ryan said "It's thanks to the positive attitude, excellent facilities and practical support of the yacht club that things are going so well for the children. Local Lions clubs and businesses have also helped with financial aid and donations of equipment."
Further information from:
Paul Ryan (Mr) Kevin Downing (Mr)
087-2306352 087-2546880
Rhino.irl697@yahoo.ie info@sailforce.ie
Last changed: Nov 18 2009 at 1:57 AM
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