Lough Foyle offers huge opportunities for sailing and water-based activities and people with disabilities have a right to share in these opportunities too. That’s according to Cathal MacElhatton of Foyle Sailability, speaking at the launch of their 2016 Events Programme at Foyle Port Marina at the weekend.
“Our events for 2016 give you the chance to try things out on the water just for fun, or to see if you want to take up sailing or other ‘on the water’ activities on a longer term basis,” says Cathal. “We are also delighted to announce today that Foyle Port have come on board as our sponsors and to thank them in particular for their generous donation of an accessible Hansa 303 boat.”
“Foyle Port are proud to support Foyle Sailability in ensuring Lough Foyle is an attractive destination for disabled people with an interest in exploring marine activities”, says Port chief executive Brian McGrath. FS committee member, Karen Meenan says the Port, the wider sailing community in this region and our own wonderful volunteers “have provided expert support for our events over the past 2 years and their help is invaluable.”
“Foyle Sailability is open to people with disabilities from across the North West region in Derry and Donegal,” says Karen. “Our events are low cost or free and kick off on 14th May this year with Go with the Flow sessions at Foyle Port Marina. We are also running 2 days of pre-Clipper activities as part of the Foyle Maritime Festival on 6-7th July and our very own 1-day Regatta on 12th August, as part of Greencastle Regatta.”
“In the short-term, we are giving people with disabilities the chance to take to the water themselves, with expert help. In the longer-term, we want to offer the kind of support which enables those of us with disabilities to aspire towards the highest levels of sailing or water sport skills. In a Paralympics year, that message is particularly important.”
To find out more about Foyle Sailability or to enquire about taking part in FS events please email foylesailability@gmail.com or call Derry 02871 266593 or from Donegal, that’s 04871 266593.
Background information:
Foyle Sailability is a cross border voluntary organisation which aims to deliver opportunities for sailing and other water-based activities to people with disabilities from across the North West region of Ireland. Please see full 2016 Events Programme below
Inis Communications is a pround sponsor of Foyle Sailability. Media queries to Trish Hegarty +353 86 1740057 or email trish@iniscommunications.com