RYA Sailability has recruited a new Regional Organiser for North Wales to promote the work of Sailability and encourage even more sailing clubs and centres into providing or enhancing their disabled sailing facilities.
Keith Rollinson has experience of running a series of businesses and is also an RYA senior instructor for Staylittle Outdoor Centre in Powys.
“My main hobby is sailing and I am lucky now to work in that field, mainly teaching youngsters and the less mobile,” he explained.
“We started a Cadet Club in 2007 of which I am the principal, at Clywedog using the centres funboats/Picos and members dinghies. We regularly have 20-25 youngsters attending which we hope to build on.
“I also care for my wife Su who has MS and we are both actively involved in the local MS branch and we also serve on various health and social care committees within Powys representing the disabled. Su and I started a disabled sailing group in 2007 based at Clywedog in conjunction with Staylittle Outdoor Centre, this is ongoing and open to anyone with limited mobility.
“I have sailed actively for longer than I care to remember in all classes of dinghies but 3 yrs ago as I needed to be more home based because of Su’s MS I made a career change to care for her, semi retire and re take my Sailing instructor qualifications.
“Working as an Regional Organiser (RO) will allow me to find ways to help develop and improve disabled sailing at clubs and centres in the region. I will be able to spread and share the experiences and good practice of the groups I meet to other in the area!”
Debbie Blachford, RYA Sailability Manager said: “The RO’s are a vital link between the head office team and the Sailability groups around the country. They are the regional experts and work to link local disabled people with the right Sailability group in the area.
“Currently we have 13 Sailability clubs and centres in the UK and with these new RO’s we hope to get even more to join the programme. We are delighted to welcome the new team and wish them every success in their new roles.”
Regional Organisers are also key in co-ordinating disability awareness training in the area, working with disabled sailors and local clubs and centres.
For contact details of your local Regional Officer visit: www.rya.org.uk/AboutRYA/RYASailability/Pages/regional.aspx
Full details about the Sailability programme can be found at www.ryasailability.org.uk or you can view Sailability TV at www.ryasailability.tv