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Greencastle Harbour unveils new
disabled access
30.07.14
NEW facilities to allow
people with disabilities access to sailing will be
used for the first time next month at Greencastle
Harbour.
The new 'H' pontoon is equipped with a hoist for
wheelchair users and allows people who are
restricted or limited in their mobility to easily
transfer from the pontoon to various boats.
Foyle Sailability, a voluntary cross border
initiative to encourage people with disabilities
onto the water, will be the first beneficiaries of
new disabled access facilities at Greencastle
harbour.
The specially designed portable pontoon is a Donegal
County Council initiative and has been funded by
BIM’s FLAG programme to enhance access to the water
for the whole of the county. |
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A fleet of Foyle Sailability vessels
in action. |
The Foyle Sailability
Regatta will take place on Thursday, August 14 from
11am – 4pm.
"The event and new facilities will allow people with
a range of disabilities the opportunity to take to
the water either by dinghy, clipper canoe or motor
boat – all in the safe hands of experienced
volunteers," said a spokesperson.
While this is a first event in Greencastle, more
than 120 people with disabilities have already had a
go in Derry earlier this year, making organisers
"confident that familiar faces will make the trip to
Greencastle to take part".
"Sailing is one of the most accessible sports for
disabled people to participate in and is also one of
the only sports where people with disabilities can
participate on equal terms with able-bodied people.
Foyle Sailability volunteers embrace this ethos and
are inviting people with disabilities to take part."
Those interested in taking part should contact
foylesailability@gmail.com or 048 71 266593. |
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