Latest news with #RYACymruWalesImpactAwards
North Wales Chronicle
16-07-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey: Sailing volunteers honoured for making waves
Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz, founders of SEAS Sailability, received RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards for their work supporting disabled people, their families, and carers to enjoy water-based activities. Based at The Conway Centre on Anglesey, SEAS Sailability offers inclusive experiences such as sailing, paddleboarding, swimming, and powerboating in a safe and social setting. The pair were nominated by fellow volunteer Ken Newing, who said: "It's a pleasure to nominate Jon and Richard for their continued effort over the years to make the sport more accessible." They offer inclusive experiences (Image: Karl Midlane) The charity also operates a wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat, allowing even more people to get out on the water. Mr Gamon, who teaches outdoor education at Ysgol Aberconwy and the Conway Centre, said: "It's so rewarding to see the excitement and sense of achievement that people experience when they are able to get on the water and I enjoy being a part of that buzz. "You become part of a community and I like seeing the impact our activities have on the wellbeing and relationships of our participants and their carers. "It's something different they can all do together to build positive memories." SEAS Sailability supports 30 to 60 participants per session and shares its adaptive equipment with The Conway Centre, helping the facility deliver inclusive activities for schools and other groups. The charity now hopes to expand its collaborative model to other commercial centres, increasing opportunities for disabled people across Wales. Activities at SEAS (Image: Karl Midlane) Richard Horovitz, chair of trustees for SEAS Sailability, said: "We're based on the Menai Strait but there are people everywhere who would like to take part in what we do. "As a charity we're moving forward all the time and we're looking to support other Welsh centres to provide these activities because the demand is phenomenal. "We take out lots of people with all types of disabilities who wouldn't otherwise be on the water, along with their families and carers so they are able to share the experience and have fun together. "You only have to see the smiles to be inspired." The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to inspire others to enjoy sailing and watersports. For more information about SEAS Sailability, go online.
Al Manar
09-04-2025
- Business
- Al Manar
ترامب: كنت سأحتفظ بقاعدة باغرام الأفغانية تحت سيطرتنا لكونها تبعد نحو ساعة من موقع تصنيع الصين الأسلحة النووية
Sarah Bagley of Windswept with RYA CW Impact Award. Photo: Windswept (© Windswept) The inspirational founder of a watersports centre in Pembrokeshire has been presented an RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award in recognition of her work to make activities afloat accessible and inclusive for all. The awards are made by sailing's governing body in Wales to celebrate those who go above and beyond to help people enjoy getting on the water. Sarah Bagley, Director of Windswept in Dale, was nominated for the award by local mum-of-four Rebecca Bell for her commitment to watersports and for supporting and encouraging children and young people. Rebecca said all her children developed a love of watersports thanks to Sarah and the Windswept team, including her eldest son, who has autism, and daughter Keira, aged 15, who now enjoys competing and volunteers her own time as an assistant sailing instructor for the junior section at Neyland Yacht Club. Instructing at Windswept. Photo: Cara Gaskell (© Cara Gaskell) In the nomination, Rebecca explained: 'Sarah is kind-hearted and knowledgeable and a brilliant role model. She is an inspiration to young people and a constant on the watersports scene, happy to help anyone learning new skills, and deserves recognition for her amazing attitude to supporting others.' Windswept is a not-for-profit community interest company, set up by Sarah in 2020 with a mission to provide affordable opportunities for everyone to enjoy watersports by removing barriers and finding new ways to promote participation. Activities include lessons for all kinds of boardsports - including windsurfing, winging and paddleboarding – plus outreach sessions for schools and community groups, Paddle-Ability with adaptive equipment for those with disabilities, and weekly clubs for children, teenagers and adults. Sarah Bagley of Windswept. Photo: Cara Gaskell (© Cara Gaskell) 'I'm really honoured to have an Impact Award,' said Sarah. 'Watersports can be expensive so my passion is making it accessible and creating opportunities for everyone, and I've been lucky enough to start Windswept to make that happen. 'I enjoy teaching on the water and seeing people smiling and having a good time, including children who might be excited, or may be a bit scared or thinking they're not good at anything, then realising they can do it! To see young people change and become more independent and confident is really rewarding.' Windswept is dedicated to creating pathways for young people and offers subsidised training for aspiring watersports instructors. In partnership with Celtic Deep there is also a scheme for anyone aged 14-25 to gain qualifications to work on the water, or access other education and employment opportunities. In addition to running Windswept's activities, Sarah and her team regularly volunteer to support community activities and events. The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards recognise those who go the extra mile to support activities afloat. Presenting the award, Club Development Officer Hester Walker said : 'Windswept provides sessions for the local community and children at very low cost to make the sport accessible, and Sarah is creative, passionate and fun, promoting innovation and the continual development of staff, equipment and new projects.' Find out more about opportunities to get on the water with Windswept Watersports or explore how to begin sailing at
