Our ASC Reading STORIES
Best of luck to GBR sailors at World Deaf Sailing Championships
Everyone at ASC Reading and across the Andrew Simpson Group wishes Deaf Sailing UK the best of luck as they head out to Nida, Lithuania to represent GBR in the World Deaf Sailing Championships.
This is the 3rd instalment of the World Deaf Sailing Championships and will see the inclusion of Hansa 303, Mariner 19, Puck, and Windsurfing. The action kicks off on the 6th of September and will culminate with the medal and closing ceremony on the 15th.
A Deaf Group was set up five years ago at ASC Reading to encourage people within the deaf community to become involved in sailing up to a racing level. Many of those heading to Lithuania have been training at the Andrew Simpson Centre in Reading, as well as at Rutland Sailing Club.
Jo Gardiner from Deaf Sailing UK who has been working with the team and will be joining the group in Lithuania, said:
“The Andrew Simpson Centre has been great, they’ve been really helpful to prepare the GBR team how to race, and work on their strategy as well as encourage them, it’s been the perfect place for them to learn.”
A total of eight sailors will be heading out to Lithuania as part of the GBR team, with a mixture of some nerves and excitement.
Rio Bolson will be competing, said:
“I’ve done a lot of training and been focusing on racing more, so I’ve got more experience and knowledge. I’m nervous as there’s a lot of pressure, it will be my first time in a competition.”
ASC Reading Lead Senior Instructor Charlie Whelan wishes the team the best of luck and said:
“It’s been fantastic to see how the team have progressed their skills, and we hope they have a fantastic time in Lithuania. Providing opportunities for the Deaf community to be involved in our sport is an essential part of what we stand for, and we’re so proud to work closely with Deaf Sailing UK.”
Deaf Sailing UK aims to provide accessible training opportunities to deaf people at all sailing levels and abilities. You can help to support through their Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/deafsailinguk
by Jacob Tyson, Social Media & PR Coordinator for the Andrew Simpson Foundation and Andrew Simpson Centres
