Rivertime Regatta is 'inspirational', says Paralympic gold medallist Riches

The Rivertime Boat Trust and Give Them a Sporting Chance charities recently staged the Rivertime Accessible Regatta, at the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, for children and young people with disabilities.

The regatta included competitive bell boat- ing, accessible sailing, wheelchair powerboating and canoeing, as well as a variety of land-based sports and training activities.

Nine organisations provided 18 different participatory sport and activities, including eight water sports.

This allowed more than 300 children and young people from 23 Special Educational Needs Schools, based across six counties, a unique chance to get out on the water in a safe and controlled environment. They were ably supported by more than 40 volunteers.

Sarah Newton MP, Minister of State for Disability, Health & Work, opened the regatta and its patron, Paralympic gold medall- ist Naomi Riches MBE from Marlow, address- ed the guests.

Riches said: “I am delighted to be the patron of such an inspirational event. I attended this event last year and was overwhelmed with the excitement and enthusiasm. 

“It is so important to have events like this that enable young people with a wide variety of disabilities and abilities to get out on the river.  The free- dom and independence I felt when I first stepp- ed into a boat for the first time is a feeling I will never forget.”