Sailing training camp hailed as success

More than 20 coaches and volunteers completed a two-day training camp at Carrickfergus Marina and Harbour, which they hope will help them with their goal of competing at Paralympic events.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Feb 2016, 07:00 BST
Training camp participants at Carrick Marina. INLT 05-924-CONTraining camp participants at Carrick Marina. INLT 05-924-CON
Training camp participants at Carrick Marina. INLT 05-924-CON

The participants from Belfast Lough Sailability, RYANI coaches, Foyle Sailability and Sailability Ireland, were given an introduction to disabled racing and the Paralympic classes by Matt Grier, RYA Podium Potential Coach and Disabled Racing Development Manager.

RYANI’s Performance Manager, Richard Honeyford, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the 23 participants who took part.

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“The ultimate goal for most of those taking part is competition at the paralympic sailing events, whether that is as a coach or as an athlete.

“This is the first step in developing disabled race training towards that goal and it is something that RYANI is delighted to be part of.”

He added: “We would encourage everyone to try sailing, it is a sport that is accessible to all and opportunities like this make it all the more exciting!”

The group covered topics such as classification, the 2.4 metre class as well as communication and writing a race training programme.

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With these skills fresh in their mind, the participants agreed on overall aims of Disabled Racing and what a race training programme could look like.

With the help of RYANI and funds from Sport NI, a process will be put in place for 2016 to help start the process of identifying potential disabled racers who will look to take part in a race training programme and ultimately compete in NI, Ireland and overseas.