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The charity making life better by water

Young people not left without a paddle

Thanks to the Desmond Family Canoe Trail, young people have been enjoying free kayaking sessions at the Yorkshire Waterways Museum.

Desmond Family Canoe Trail

The sessions helped celebrate the arrival of The Desmond Family Canoe Trail, which encourages young people aged 16 to 25 to use and look after their local waterways.

The trail has been made possible by businessman Richard Desmond, who has funded the project through the Desmond Foundation, and aspires to join 162 miles of waterways from Liverpool to Goole and leave those who take part in water sports feeling extra buoyant.

Danny Matley, Desmond Family Canoe Trail Programme Manager, said: "The Desmond Family Canoe Trail has a lot to offer the area – not only giving young people in and around Goole the chance to try a new activity, but also providing ways for them to give something back to their community or learn a new skill. As the trail develops between Leeds and Goole over the coming months we'll be hosting all sorts of events and activities to help people get out on their local waterway and find out why life is better by water."

The free kayaking activities have been organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the East and North Yorkshire Waterways Partnership, the Sobriety Project and Kingston Kayak Club with support from the Trust.

They are part of an initiative called, ‘Goole's Great Outdoors', which encourages local people of all ages to access and enjoy the town's waterways, walking and cycle paths, parks, nature reserves and outdoor recreation spaces.

Councillor Richard Burton, the council's cabinet portfolio holder for leisure, tourism and culture, said: "East Riding of Yorkshire Council has been working with a range of partners to help create interest in kayaking ahead of the arrival of the Desmond Family Canoe Trail. We are delighted to be part of this national project and becoming one of the key destinations on this coast-to-coast route.

"Seeing young people taking advantage of the free kayaking sessions and explore the town's waterways is fantastic. The trail will no doubt establish Goole as a hub for water sport and attract enthusiasts from all over the country."

Last Edited: 13 August 2018

photo of a location on the canals
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