Outdoor Activity Centre launches Adventure for All 

Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre (SBOAC), an RYA approved training centre based in one of London’s historic docks, launched its new Adventure For All project on 16 September 2014

Pupils from local schools, many new to watersports, came along to the centre for a day to try out a range of activities, including sailing, canoeing, trial orienteering, and rowing.  

Teachers and assistants were included in the group, providing an opportunity for everyone to get involved and give feedback on what they would like to get out of the new outdoor adventure project.   

Rob Edwards, the centre’s new inclusions coordinator said: “It was a fun and successful event with new friends and partnerships made."

He added: “I’d like to thank representatives of specialist craft who brought boats down for the day for everyone to try, including Hansa class access dinghies, Hartley sailing boats and Wavewalk kayaks.” 

Rob described recent developments at the centre which lead to the launch: “Earlier this year £108,875 of Coalfield Trust investment from Sport England was awarded to the centre to open up more opportunities for disabled people to participate in adventurous activities, part of a wider scheme of 44 projects across England.  

“For an initial three year period the centre will use the funding to deliver regular coaching programmes for people with disabilities from ages 9 and up. The money covers the appointment of a dedicated inclusion coordinator, and will help train staff and purchase specialist equipment.   

“Eventually the aim is to open a watersports and adventurous activities club for people with disabilities with competition pathways and beyond.”   

SBOAC is an RYA approved training centre. It recently became a RYA Sailability Foundation site, part of an RYA programme which introduces over 40000 people with disabilities to sailing each year. The centre is also in the process of becoming a site for RYA OnBoard, a national scheme which has introduced more than 500,000 youngsters to sailing over the last 10 years.    

Steve Mitchell, RYA regional development officer, says: “SBOAC’s recent appointment of a full time inclusions coordinator as part of the Adventure for All project is fantastic news; the project offers great opportunity to increase inclusive sailing activity both locally and for those young people & adults who will travel from other parts of London

“SBOAC will shortly receive RYA OnBoard recognition which we hope will help promote sailing activities in schools and local community groups, leading to regular participation.”  

For more information about the centre and to access a subsidised rate for inclusion groups please contact rob.edwards@shadwell-basin.org.uk or telephone 0207 481 4210. Web site www.shadwell-basin.co.uk    For more information about the RYA programmes mentioned visit: RYA OnBoard & RYASailability