Favourable wind for Access 303 Challenge

Belfast Lough Sailability teamed up with the Sea Cadets of TS Warrior and the junior section of Carrick Sailing Club and respective staff for the O2 sponsored initiative.

BLS juniors Kerry Waugh and Karly Blythe put together the programme to encourage greater integration of young people with disabilities into the sport and to raise awareness of a unique local facility in the community.

Nigel Thompson, Chairman of Belfast Lough Sailability, explained: “This was achieved by organising a relay race in specially designed disabled friendly dinghies in Carrickfergus Harbour. With over 100 participants in the race, named the Access 303 Challenge, it saw the young people of all organisations sailing in light-hearted conditions.

“It also gave everyone the opportunity to make new friends and to realise just how much enjoyment and sense of freedom young people with disabilities obtain from the sport of sailing.”

Even the parents got the chance to have a go, including Ray Wiliams, who described the event as “an absolute blast and a great success, a lot of fun and laugh out loud moments in the company of some really good people”.

A prize-giving was held afterwards with certificates and spot prizes for all those who took part followed by a barbecue at the Sailing Club.