5 days ago
- 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.
