Regatta for the Disabled 2023
This year, the Chiltern Centre Buddies Team delivered once again the the annual Regatta for the Disabled…
On Saturday 2nd September, 30 Chiltern Centre supporters attended this years Regatta for the Disabled at Phyllis court.
Sport is such an important part of development, building strength, teaching teamwork, and providing an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. With limited fully inclusive sporting opportunities, The Chiltern Centre make sure that this event is a ‘must do’ each calendar year.
Before race day, the Centre make sure to book in some ‘training’ time at the Eyot Centre. This is mainly to ensure that all of our young adults are comfortable and confident getting in and out of the boats, and our staff help each young adult to practice the movement pattern of paddling. Sometimes our young adults just like to sit and enjoy the feeling of gliding along the water, and so long as there is a smile, that’s okay with us!
On the day of the regatta, out team arrived at 09:30, and members included centre users, staff, parents, siblings, volunteers and trustees. After some close heats, and with strong competition from Mencap, Stylacre and other local charities, The Chiltern Centre managed to qualify for the A final, seeded second place behind Mencap who had posted a faster time…
But first, it was time for a lunch break! During this time, our supporters using wheelchairs were able to experience the river for themselves thanks to the Rivertime Boat Trust, and their wheelchair accessible boat!
Now, onto the finals! Styleacre were struggling to fill their boat for the B final, and so, in true sportsman like spirit, The Chiltern Centre stepped up and offered some horsepower, helping them to finish in 4th place!
Finally, it was time for the A final, Chiltern Centre vs Mencap. Everyone was a little nervous, but as soon as we started the race, it was go go go, and The Chiltern Centre managed to take the win by a only a couple of seconds!!
The day was finished off with some dancing in celebration of our hard work and achievements.
A wonderful day was had by each and every Chiltern Centre team member, from trustees to centre users, the Regatta for the Disabled allows us to come together with a common love for being on the river, and enjoy the experience together. Thank you to all those involved in the organisation of this inclusive event!