Watersports

On Saturday 21 August 2010 the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) was host to a ‘Step Up’ initiative that introduced nearly 50 children from the age of 8 upwards to the world of water sports.

Under the ‘Step Up’ scheme, schools in Dorset have been allocated funding to ensure that children and young people are financially supported to take part in out-of-school activities.  The subsidy is part of the Government’s commitment to Extended Services in and around schools.  Extended Services funded the day which aimed at maximising the opportunities presented at the Academy.  Weymouth Watersports, the Official Test Centre UK (windsurfing centre) and Portland Rowing all came together to provide an action packed day of kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing and windsurfing for the children.

The day was made possible by a dedicated volunteer team comprised of Extended Services members and 4 volunteers from Revive Portland Project with the primary objective of encouraging young people to try something different to the usual land based activities and to find inspiration or discover a talent they might never otherwise have know.

The day proved highly popular; the only complaints from the children were that they did not want the day to end and many of them have already signed up for more kayaking and windsurfing.  Due to Saturday’s success it is hoped that this exciting new venture can become a yearly event.
John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, commented, “It was uplifting to be involved in this latest youth based project and see so many local Dorset children getting an amazing experience.  Hopefully they have caught the water sports bug and we hope to see them down at the Academy again in the future to develop their newly acquired skills.”

Step up

Karen Griffiths, Extended Services Co-ordinator for the Portland Schools and organiser of the event, said, “The patience and enthusiasm of all the staff involved was fantastic.  All the children went home at the end of the day with a huge sense of achievement, big smiles and the desire to do it all again.  Step Up funding is there to support them to do just that.”