We have been involved with the Seasports project since the beginning. Having seen the benefits of water sports for young people we have helped fund  training of dinghy instructors, paddle board instructors and purchase of equipment.

Before Seasports sailing was seen to be ‘out of reach’ for the vast majority of the town.  Now it is available to all, and with other activities, is more appealing to our community.  The project offers new employment opportunities for young people and will open their eyes.  My own son, who was basically written off in school because he had no interest in college or university, completed a commercial diving course last year.  Now he is self-employed and loving his work! Never would he have even thought of this area of employment, and the industry wants more young people to get involved.  

There are major benefits to physical and mental health.  We all know that we feel better when we are involved in an activity. Many of our young people took part in dinghy sailing and paddle boarding.  They loved it. They liked the fact that they were trying something different.  They felt safe with the rules and precautions.  It made them want to improve their swimming skills.  They wanted to bring friends along.  

The Kintyre Seasports project has huge potential for our community and we cannot wait to see the benefits for our young people!

Mandy Robertson, Kintyre Youth Cafe and Young Carers.