A SAILING club which allows those with physical impairments to sail with non-disabled crews has been recognised by the national Paralympics board.
Based at Bewl Water, near Lamberhurst, the Mariners of Bewl have their own fleet of adaptive dinghies which cater for a range of physical needs and sailing abilities.
The Mariners were named ‘Club of the Month’ by the ‘Every Body Moves’ initiative, which helps people find activities that break down barriers to participation.
The Mariners sail from 10am to 1pm on Saturday mornings, from the beginning of April to the end of October.
Club Chairperson Carolyn Howden said: “I am very proud to receive this award for our club. It’s very important to congratulate all our members, as they are what makes it special. Being active and out in the great outdoors, especially here at beautiful Bewl is just the medicine that we all need, and I would encourage others to come along and enjoy the great experience of sailing.”
Baden Knifton, Every Body Moves Engagement Officer at ParalympicsGB, said: “MoB are a fantastic example of a truly inclusive club going the extra mile to open participation up to as many people as possible. They’re thoroughly deserving winners.”
The Mariners will now be entered into the ‘Club of the Year’ vote in December.
For more details, email: enquiries@mariners-of-bewl.org.uk or visit: mariners-of-bewl.org.uk
Other activities can be found at: everybodymoves.org.uk
Bewl Water is run by Elite Leisure Collection, which also owns One Media, publisher of the Times.
