Foundation News
Kool Kayakers Canoe Club encouraging people with disabilities to get paddling
8th July 2012
A KAYAKING and canoe club are ready to welcome more members to get paddling and join in the fun with new equipment designed for users with physical disabilities.
Kool Kayakers Canoe Club based at Askern Swimming Pool in Doncaster are going extra lengths to do what they can to make paddle sports open to people with disabilities.
The KKCC is a hugely popular and successful club ran by a dedicated team of volunteers. Over the eight years the club has been running, its members have built up to over 90 in number and range from ages 7 to 65.
The club welcomes anyone who wants to join in the fun and with brand new sit on top kayaks and paddles designed for users who are less able bodied, they can now welcome even more members to come along and learn.
One young member trying out one of the new sit on top kayaks
The KKCC was inspired to get the new kayaks by the positive impact participating in the club's activities has had on one young member with mental and physical disabilities.
Dave McDonnell, Honorary Treasurer of the club, said:
"She is an active and equally respected member and is looked after by the junior membership. Paddle sport has had a significant positive effect on her life and we hope to repeat this result over again if possible."
The Kool Kayakers were able to purchase the new equipment due to grant funding from the South Yorkshire Outdoor Pursuits Trust and the Doncaster Community Grassroots Endowment, received through SYCF.
Club members enjoying one of their regular teaching sessions at Askern Swimming Pool
Though the new Kayaks have only just arrived, the club already has some potential new members joining soon. The KKCC also plan to advertise in local physiotherapy centres to encourage even more people with physical disabilities to try out kayaking and to become a part of the club.
Dave McDonnell said: "We have been able to positively enhance the lives of many children in the community, by providing an inexpensive way to enjoy activities in water, whilst increasing self-confidence and developing personal skills.
"Now we are more able to encourage children and adults that are handicapped into a social sport and to give to a community that often struggles to get a kick out of life."
All of the volunteers that spend their free time running Kool Kayakers Canoe Club are dedicated, passionate and hard working and it is their enthusiasm that makes this club so successful. They have created a fun, safe and friendly environment for it members to learn and socialise in and it is their continued efforts that will allow the club to thrive and grow even more for years to come.
