Ken, what motivated you to take up this role?
I was motivated to take on this position after seeing what Sailability has done for us all at Foyle Sailability and how it helps those with disabilities enjoy time on the water.
It has had such a positive effect on all our sailors and volunteers both mentally and physically.
It also creates a social group for like-minded people who may not have met if it wasn’t for sailing. They can meet up, sail, gain new skills and build up long-standing friendships.
How would you describe your role?
I see my role as being the thread that joins all the clubs together. I am hoping that I can help all the Sailability clubs and that we can all help each other. I have found the new role quite difficult and time consuming, but very enjoyable so far.
What are your hopes for this role and for Sailability?
As the Sailability Coordinator for Northern Ireland, I hope to keep introducing more people of all ages and abilities to the joy of sailing. I also believe there is room for another few Sailability clubs in the Province. The thrill and enjoyment of being on the water should be available to all areas.
In the few months since I took on this position, I have really enjoyed traveling to the other Sailability groups and meeting up with my fellow volunteers and sailors of all abilities.
What motivates you most about Sailability?
Sailability is so important for the mental and physical well-being of so many everywhere. Sailing is one of the few sports where disabled people, or people with differing skills as I prefer to describe them, can compete with the able bodied, and often succeed.
What most people who are not involved with sailability don’t realise is what it does for the confidence of the participants.
New friends are made and they encourage each other to improve as well as forming new social groups. For many disabled people this gives them other outlets for social interaction which they may not have enjoyed before.
There are also possibilities for those who are competent sailors to compete not only locally but throughout Ireland and indeed internationally.
If you are interested in getting involved at a Sailability Club please contact – lisa.mccaffrey@rya.org.uk