A kayaking and canoe club is ready to welcome more members to get paddling and join in the fun with new equipment designed for users with physical disabilities. The Doncaster club is 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, it has built up over 90 members, ranging in age from 7 to 65.
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 with grant funding from the South Yorkshire Outdoor Pursuits Trust and the Doncaster Community Grassroots Endowment, received through South Yorkshire Community Foundation. 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. All 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 socialize in and it is their continued efforts that will allow the club to thrive and grow even more for years to come. Dave continues
"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."