Freedom on Water - Canoeing for People with Physical or Intellectual Impairment

Background In the project countries, only a few canoe clubs are adapted to people with physical or intellectual impairment. The general consequence is that people with impairment do not know about canoeing, or feel and are excluded from paddling activities, because of lack of awareness, knowledge and correct physical equipment and adaptations. Paddling is a suitable activitity for people with impairment on all levels from recreation to elite, it gives a sense of freedom in an outdoor environment. Objectives To bring together and establish a network group of experts on canoeing for people with physical or intellectual impairment. The group shall exchange knowledge and tips. To spread and increase knowledge about paracanoeing in clubs and in target groups. Awarenessraising among clubs and target groups. To create favourable conditions for people with physical or intellectual impairment to get involved in canoe clubs. To increase the number of club members with physical or intellectual impairment. Implementation Workshops to establish the network, both digitally and on-site. Mapping out the current situation in each country, both regarding intellectual and physical impairments. Open lectures to spread knowledge about both the project and different subjects. Communication to inform and attract paracanoers to clubs. Clubs engaging in activities. Sharing of methods and tips. Local activities with target groups, both broadly directed to the recreational paddler and to competing athletes. Achievements A stable network of experts established. The website is a permanent source of knowledge and tips with a broad range of topics: Videos with instructions, inspiration and facts, lectures about e.g. classification, useful links to the project organisations and other sources of information, photo gallery to inspire and demonstrate useful equipment etc. An increase of paracanoe activities in local clubs. New activities tried out. Methods and knowledge shared within the project.