About the Project

The 'Kent Outdoor Pursuits Disability Project' was initiated in 2005 funded by Sport England’s 'Active England' program.

It builds on the existing successful 'Kent Rural Disability Sportslink Project'  (highlighted by sport england as a model of good practice) which was established in 2000 to increase the access to the outdoor, rural environment through the development of facilities which open up opportunities for disabled people to enjoy the countryside and take part in informal sports.

The Kent Rural Disability Sportslink Project worked across the county of Kent and has been hugely successful using outreach sports development work to ensure inclusion in sport.

The Kent Outdoor Pursuits Disability Project seeks to increase access to the outdoor, rural environment through the development of facilities and activities which open up opportunities for disabled people to enjoy the countryside and take part in less formal sports.

In 2005 alone we were able to aid 3500 people to participate in a wide variety of outdoor pursuits.

How we can help you

Many disabled people have limited opportunities to take part in outdoor and adventurous activities. Kent has a wealth of resources - both natural and man-made - which are accessible to all.

The project aims to remove barriers to participation so that people of all abilities can take part in outdoor activities alongside their family and friends. Support is provided for facilities wishing to develop this area of work  by gaining expertise or funding for specific projects as well as to individuals and groups who need advice or personal support to access activities.

We aim to respond to need and develop and promote a high quality service by enhancing and supporting existing activities, coordinating volunteers, providing information and publicity and continuing to be at the forefront of innovative sports development for disabled people.

What we can offer you

The project will carry on providing some of the areas of activity developed by the Kent Rural Disability Sportslink Project but will further activities and continue to expand and co-ordinate all opportunities for outdoor and adventurous activities in Kent for disabled people.

Some of the project’s initiatives include:

• CYCLING - promoting the sport, providing bikes and trails for disabled people in country parks
  

• WALKING- guided walks for visually impaired people, rural accessible walks for all disabilities in each local authority in Kent
  

• CLIMBING - promotion of the sport, volunteer training, advice to facilities and indoor climbing walls
  

• ARCHERY - taster events and club development, equipment loan scheme, Associate Officer link
  

• COUNTRY PARKS - fun events for disabled children, promoting the natural environment
  

• SAILING -
  
• ORIENTEERING -
  
• ROWING
  
• CANOEING
  
• RIDING - increasing numbers of RDA clubs and stables

The Team

Project Co-ordinator

Paul Panton the project co co-ordinator is based at the acclaimed Kent Sports Development Unit, working alongside The Kent Sports Development Manager for Disabled People.

To contact Paul Panton phone 01732 525433 or 07717507157

Alternatively e-mail Paul at paul.panton@kent.gov.uk

Support Officers

Steve Walker has been appointed as the new Project Support Officer and will be focusing on the development of cycling and opportunities at Bedgebury Pinetum near Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area.

To contact Steve Walker phone 01732 525027 or 07917454179

Alternatively e-mail Steve at stephen.walker08@kent.gov.uk

Archery Community Sports Coach

Richard Goring has been appointed as the Archery Community Coach for Disabled People and has started working in the Sevenoaks area at special schools and also assisting with the development of the Center of Excellence for Archery in Kent.

To contact Richard Goring e-mail at richard_goring@blueyonder.co.uk

Archery Associate Officer

Peter Drewry, the associate officer for Archery, has a wealth of expertise in the sport and is available for advice on all aspects of the sport.

To contact Peter Drewry e-mail at peter.drewry@virgin.net

Cycling

The associate officer scheme also has a dedicated cycling officer who like the Archery officer provides a wealth of information on coaching, equipment and development.

For all information about the above posts and further contact details please contact the Project Co-ordinator Paul Panton on 01732 525433 or e-mail paul.panton@kent.gov.uk