Every Body Moves celebrating inclusive sports clubs
The Mariners of Bewl, Charity and adaptive sailing club celebrate being crowned the ‘Every Body Moves, Club of the Month’ by ParalympicsGB.
Every Body Moves, Powered by Toyota, is ParalympicsGB’s online inclusive activity finder and community hub. The award recognises and celebrates the success of clubs breaking down the participation barriers in sport and physical activity often faced by members of the disabled community.
The Mariners of Bewl (MoB), who meet every Saturday and are based at the picturesque Bewl Water in Kent, were chosen for their continuing commitment to making the sport of sailing more inclusive and adaptive. Where physically disabled and non-disabled participants sail together on an equal basis. Their equipment and level of participation is tailored to each individual’s ability or requirement.
Carolyn Howden, chair of the club, on receiving the award 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 make 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 and freedom 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. From their supportive and welcoming environment, through to the exceptional range of equipment allowing adaptation to a wide range of requirements… they’re thoroughly deserving winners”.
The club will now go on to feature in Every Body Moves ‘Club of Year’ vote in December and enjoy support through a newly formed relationship with SLM Toyota in Hastings.
For those interested in experiencing the freedom of adaptive sailing, Mariners of Bewl offer 2 free taster sessions available via mariners-of-bewl.org.uk. To discover more inclusive ways to move in a way that suits you, enter your postcode on everybodymoves.org.uk
