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Disabled sailing returns to Whangarei
Published 22 February 2010, Posted in National / 2 Comments
Sailability Auckland and the Whangarei/Parua Bay Cruising Club are planning an event for all people with disabilities from 22 to 26 February at the Whangarei Cruising Club.
The event follows on from a successful three day event held in 2008 for Northland school students with disabilities. This year’s event will be available to all people with disabilities and three boats and instructors will be available.
The event will culminate in a big ‘Have a Go – Sailing’ event on Saturday 27 February.
Whangarei District Council Disability Sector Liaison Officer Kim Silvey says the 2008 event saw a number of people who never could have imagined they could get out on the water in a boat, actually being able to sail. “Because the boats – which look pretty much like normal yachts – have special adaptive equipment, we had wheelchair users out there sailing by themselves, steering their boat on their own,” she said. “The safety backup is wonderful, with inflatable boats and plenty of qualified people close by so the sailors and their families can relax.
The confidence gained by the young people in the previous event was wonderful to see and we are confident that by making the opportunity available to all people with disabilities this time, we can build on the good work done in 2008.”
For more information please phone Kim Silvey, Whangarei District Council 430 4200 or Ron Miller on 436 0904.
See also www.sailabilityauckland.org.nz
2 Comments
i had a great afternoon and would love to do more. “Sailing have a go” i recommend it! only a few more days to go tho so make it quick, although i did hear the boats are here next week.
some of the the Access boats used for the Sailability days, were to remain at Parua Bay for a month if anyone is intereted in using them.
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Minnie’s presentation on Be Accessibe was truly inspiring. disappointing to see those most in need of ‘enlightenment’ were absent….a great build up for the RWC and way beyond so up to those who did attend to be vocal! and spread the Be word!