The sun shone and the wind dropped, Trevassack Lake glittered in readiness for the SEND schools heading over for the day.
Our fabulous volunteers gathered at the watersports hub for the morning briefing before pumping up the megaboards and arranging kayaks on the shoreline. And there were plenty of volunteers to go around. This year we were blessed to welcome a team from Eliquo Hydrok, a wonderful company based in north Cornwall, who provide Water Engineering Solutions for all manner of complex and simple problems. They were the generous sponsors for this year’s Inclusive Games, which allowed the event to go ahead, as well as providing much needed man power.
Not only were we blessed with the enthusiasm of our happy helpers, but coincidentally this week was the week we had a special guest staying on site. It’s not very often we fan girl over a guest, but Geoff Holt is a very inspirational person who founded the Wetwheels Foundation, that gets people who use wheelchairs on on the high seas in adapted boats. And he stayed at Trevassack Holidays!
Soon the lake started to fill up as busses arrived full of excited young people from Curnow School, Three Bridges and Cury SEND schools. They took their time to prepare and change into wetsuits before choosing their favourite water craft. Some chose to take a quiet trip around the lake on our solar-powered, wheelchair accessible Floaty boat while others took to the water on kayaks and paddleboards.
The sounds of joyful shouts and laughter echoed around the quarry walls as it was evident how the experience changes their demeanour. It brings home, even to those of us who work with these children, what a difference these opportunities to make to people of all ages and abilities.
Our Inclusive Games are a celebration of all they have achieved, whether it’s getting into a wetsuit for the first time, or being brave enough to jump in the water. We don’t have set competitive races like the river regatta, instead we bring the schools together to experience a more social setting and show off their favourite activities. And they love it.
After their fun on the water and a spot of lunch, the groups had the privilege of medal presentations by Geoff and Eliquo Hydrok before quite possibly having a nap on the bus back home.
We’d like to thank all involved in the day, particularly Eliquo Hydrok as without their generous sponsorship, we wouldn’t have been able to put on the event. Their team of volunteers were so enthusiastic and helpful, we hope they will come back again soon.
Special thanks too, to Geoff who took time out of his holiday to talk to the staff about his experiences and of course, meet the children.
Our charity relies on your support.
We’re so lucky to have help from local people who volunteer their time helping out on the water when we need them.
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The local children will thank you!
