|
|
About the Project
The 'Kent Outdoor Pursuits Disability Project' was initiated
in 2005 and initially funded by Sport England’s 'Active England'
program. The project is now funded by Kent County Council.
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 2007 alone we were able to aid over 5000 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
- SKIING - Information
on the sport and links to providers.
- NEWS - A new page
with information on current events and headlines
|
 |
The Team
Project Coordinator
Paul Panton the project
co Coordinator 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 0771 7507157
Alternatively e-mail Paul at paul.panton@kent.gov.uk |
|
Project Assistant
Lee Davies has participated in outdoor pursuits with
the project for 3 years and is also an assistant instructor
at Arethusa All Ability Climbing Group.
Lee Maintains the projects databases and regular mail outs. |
 |
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@tiscali.co.uk |
| |
Cycling
Eddie Land, the associate officer for cycling, provides a wealth
of information on coaching, equipment and development.
Eddie remains an officer with a hands on approach who is available
for coaching community groups
To contact Eddie Land please e mail the project Coordinator
Paul Panton on 01732 525433 or e-mail paul.panton@kent.gov.uk |
 |
Skiing
Kevin Alderton famous for his downhill speed record for a visually
impaired person is the Associate officer for Skiing.
Please follow this link for more
information about skiing
To contact Kevin regarding advice on development please contact
the project Coordinator Paul Panton on 01732 525433 or e-mail
paul.panton@kent.gov.uk |
 |
Adaptive Rowing
Alastair McKean is the associate officer for Adaptive Rowing.
Alastair won a gold in the mixed adaptive four at the World
Cup Regatta in Amsterdam in 2006. In 2005 Alastair was selected
for the LTA Mix 4+ that won gold at the World Championships
in Gifu, Japan.
To contact Kevin regarding advice on development or participation
please contact the project Coordinator Paul Panton on 01732
525433 or e-mail paul.panton@kent.gov.uk
|
