12-year old Ben has grown in confidence after going on several boat trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club.
Cowes Sailability Club is amazing! My son Ben has enjoyed at least eight trips organised by Cowes Sailability Club over recent years, and his confidence has increased with every trip, which is so lovely to see.
Ben has downs syndrome, and this often limits the range of activities that he can participate in. He finds social environments quite challenging, but responds well to the volunteers at Cowes Sailability Club, who provide him with the support and encouragement he needs to have a really rewarding experience. Going on a boat trip is something that Ben would otherwise never be able to do.
During Cowes Week 2022, Ben and I went on a trip along with some of his friends from St. George’s School, a specialist school on the Isle of Wight for children with complex needs. Children with disabilities often don’t like trying new things, but when they get out on the water they just seem to change. It’s such a positive experience for them.
Ben Cooper with Cowes Sailability Club trustee and volunteer Paul Wilks