| Social and Venture Activities |
Through the Wild Seals Venture Club, Spinal Injuries Ireland have presented Venture Activities as an opportunity for people who have sustained a spinal injury to push their and others expectations of what they can achieve in a safe and challenging environment. As well as the venture sports on offer such as diving, kayaking, fishing and sailing, we also run outings around Wicklow and Dublin. The aim is to get patients out of the hospital, using public transport, socialising in cafes, getting exercise, learning new skills, challenging fears and pushing limits and realising that there is definitely life after spinal injury.
The activities and outings we run for patients include kayaking, fishing, Diving in the pool, trips on the Luas and outings to Glendalough, the Botanic Gardens and Dun Laoghaire pier. |
On Saturday 4th October 2008 Spinal Injuries Ireland in association with Sandycove Kayak Club ran an all day kayak event on Blessington Lakes called the 'Blessington 500'. The hope was to kayak an accumulation of 500 miles or more on the day.
The aim is twofold:-
1) It is a fundraising kayak challenge where participants obtained sponsorship for each mile they completed. Participants collected tokens at check points thus proving the miles done. This meant that first timers along with seasoned kayakers could choose the distance that suited them best.
2) It is a tribute to Niamh McGrath who died in a tragic accident in 2005. Niamh introduced kayaking as an option for people with a spinal cord injury in 1998. With Niamh's support and endless enthusiasm, kayaking became a wonderful reality for people who have sustained a spinal cord injury and it has been included as an ongoing part of Spinal Injuries Ireland's venture sports activities programme. We remain truly grateful for all her support and encouragement.
If you are interested in trying your hand at kayaking contact the Irish Canoe Union to see if there is a club near you. Irish Canoe Union. Ph: 01 6251105 Fax:01 6251106.
Email: office@canoe.ie
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