ANGUSalive in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport are holding their first ever celebration of para water sports at Monikie Country Park on Tuesday 21 June 2022.
Paddlefest is a fantastic opportunity for people with physical, sensory and/ or learning disabilities to try out kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding with family and friends.
In preparation for the event, ANGUSalive ran a workshop, Paddle-Ability, on Thursday 19 May, 2022, to provide employees with a better understanding of how people are affected by various disabilities and how they can adapt their delivery style to support them whilst participating in paddle sport activities. Through a series of practical exercises, they investigated the challenges, real and perceived, that people with a disability face in accessing paddle sport.
Laura Smith, Disability and Inclusion Lead with ANGUSalive said: “We’re really excited to host our first Paddlefest which will allow everyone the chance to enjoy water sports with instructors who understand that every participant has different needs.
“Training and inspiring our teams enables us to develop and deliver exciting opportunities to facilitate participation for all across Angus. It’s about inclusion and improving opportunities for children, young people and adults with disabilities, along with their friends and families to participate, progress and achieve together”.
Roger Holmes, Tutor with Scottish Canoe Association who delivers Paddle-Ability Training said: ”It was great to attend Monikie in order to help its employees have confidence and competence in working with paddlers with disabilities and help the venue become more inclusive overall.
“Paddlefest will give people an opportunity to try watersports with supportive coaches within a venue equipped for delivering water sessions for people with a disability. We hope this type of event will encourage more people with physical, sensory and/ or learning disabilities to take up a paddle sport over the longer term.”
Paralympian Gemma Lumsdaine was also present at the training day, Gemma added: “I think it’s really important for everyone to be able to try different watersports. Today’s training will ensure that people with disabilities will be able to take part with instructors who are confident to meet the needs and are comfortable supporting people with disabilities in the water. To have an inclusive event for everyone no matter their disability is amazing.”
As there are a limited number of places for this free all day event on 21 June, booking is essential. Visit www.angusalive.scot to find out more information.
ANGUSalive
ANGUSalive (SC046133) is the culture, sport and leisure trust for the county of Angus and has been operating since December 2015.
