20/09/2024 by Chiltern Centre

Regatta for the Disabled 2024

This year the Chiltern Centre were returning to the Regatta as champions and after months of practice were ready to retain their title.

On Saturday 31st August, 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!

The first race was a success with a time just shy of the teams personal best from 2023 and just behind the leaders MENCAP. However in the second race disaster struck and our bell boat started to take on water leading to it’s inevitable capsize.

Russ Morey, one of our care team, was in the boat at the time and says “It began gradually, but the more water that we took on, the heavier that side of the boat became, hence more water coming in. We thought right up until the last 30 seconds that we might make it to shore, but once the side of the boat tipped down close to the river level, I knew we were going in.

Those first few seconds were a bit chaotic as we were all trying to get our bearings, but I really feel like our staff and volunteers responded remarkably well, especially considering water rescue is not something we’re specifically trained for. We were at a 1:1 ratio on the water and within seconds of the boat capsizing every one of our support staff was helping one of the people we support to get to shore safely. It’s unfortunate that it happened, but I think it really showed our true colors. I’m very much proud of our staff for acting quickly and decisively with the wellbeing of the people we support as our unwavering priority.”

Alison Spary-Hawthorn added, “The Buddies team are always so excited and enthusiastic every time we do this amazing event. We enjoy the practicing at the Eyot Centre. The team are passionate about participating on the day. For the past four years have enjoyed taking part.

The unfortunate event of capsizing the boat on the day was distressing at the time but after every was warmed up and dried off, we had a debrief session and have all agreed this has not put us off participating again next year.”

Everyone coped with capsizing remarkably well and it was great that our resilience was acknowledged with the Carolyn Molyneux Trophy.

We were delighted to see newcomers CLASP to the bell boating racing this year and we hope more mixed abilities organisations and charities join the racing next year.

A lovely day on land – a chance for families and the people we support to socialise and enjoy activities together.

It’s a big event in our calendar each year and we enjoy being involved in the Regatta for the Disabled.

The Regatta is a great place to meet other organisations and to see familiar faces from our local community.

A wonderful day was had by each and every Chiltern Centre team member, both Centre users and our wonderful care team, 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!