Kenyan children with disabilities paddle canoes on the Broads
Riverside Centre, Bungay staithe.
Wednesday July 7th 6.30 pm,
Fifteen Kenyan school children, both able-bodied and with physical
disabilities, will be canoeing on the River Waveney on Wednesday July
7th 6.30 pm, during National Parks Week, when they are
entertained by Waveney Canoe Club.
The 11 – 18 year olds, who come from a special school for
physically handicapped children in Mombasa and two high schools near
Nairobi, are on a three week school exchange with pupils from the Sir
John Leman High School at Beccles.
They will be taking to Canadian canoes and kayaks at the club's
base at the new £350,000 Riverside Centre at Bungay staithe, due
to open on July 17th.
Nine of the children, two of whom are wheel chair users, have mobility problems.
"Canoeing really frees up people with disabilities because they
become just as mobile as anyone else. They can very often perform
better than other people," said John Brodribb, the school's Kenya
Exchange co-ordinator. "This will be a wonderful opportunity for the
children, who come from all walks of life, to experience the magic of
the Broads and its wildlife in a peaceful and eco-friendly way."
The visit is part of a long running school exchange programme
between the Sir John Leman High School and Kenyan schools and will be
the fifth party of Kenyan children that the school has brought to
Beccles. In February this year 15 Beccles pupils stayed with the Kenyan
schools.
"The exchange has many educational, social and cultural benefits and has resulted in many long term friendships," said Mr Brodribb.
Broads Factfile:
There are six Canadian canoe hire centres on the Broads. The canoes
can seat up to three adults and are stable enough for families with
young children. For details telephone the Broads Authority: 01603 610734
The Nancy Oldfield Trust at Neatishead offers boating opportunities
of all kinds to people with disabilities who find it gives them a sense
of freedom and independence. Contact Robin Slatter, Centre Manager, on
01692 630572 or visit www.nancyoldfield.org.uk.
7/07/2004
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