Community / Canoe club scoops national award
THE SHETLAND Canoe Club is celebrating after winning a national award.
It was named club of the year at Paddle Scotland’s annual recognition awards.
Paddle Scotland highlighted how the local club, which has around 60 members, has “excellent links to the community”.
The organisation added that this is “evident from the support that is provided to enable coaches to come to Shetland to help with the training and assessment of local paddlers”.
In a video posted on the Paddle Scotland Facebook page, the club’s chairperson Rachel Shucksmith said kayaking is a “perfect way to explore Shetland’s amazing and unique coastline”.
She added that “we offer trips and training in the evening and at the weekend as well as post paddle fires and marshmallows”.
Shucksmith said through grants and fundraising the club has managed to get equipment for all abilities and ages, regardless of personal finance.
She also highlighted how the club has partnered with local charity Ability Shetland to offer sessions with its members.
Committee member Frank Roberts said it was an “absolute honour” to win the club of the year prize.
“We have one of the best locations in the world,” he added.
Meanwhile Marie Clarke said she joined the club at the age of 66, having never paddled before.
However, she said she is now “paddling with confidence” and praised the work of the coaches.
Hamish Leslie , who is also on the committee, added that the club is hoping to build on its inclusivity.
The club has previously been nominated for the inclusivity prize at the Shetland Sport Awards.
“Our club has many members who are willing to get stuck in and contribute in many different ways to make this club a success,” Leslie added.
Laura MacDonell meanwhile said the volunteers within the club make members feel safe and comfortable on the water.
The club also hosts a ‘symposium’ every two years for kayakers, which sees folk from far afield to experience Shetland’s coastline.
More information on the Shetland Canoe Club can be found on Facebook.
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