Paddlesport is a great interactive and social sport that all members of the community should be able to enjoy. However, there are many perceived barriers that prevent people from trying or participating in the sport. One of Paddle Northern Ireland’s aims is to work closely with organisations to break down these barriers so that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can feel welcome and comfortable to join.
Paddle Northern Ireland is committed to making ‘Paddling for All’ an achievable goal through:
- Ensuring there is more equal access to paddling
- Championing diversity in all paddling communities
- Better understanding how we can create inclusive and welcoming environments where everyone is able to enjoy paddling, regardless of their identity, background or circumstance
Helping to build a more equal, diverse and inclusive sport is everyone's responsibility, and that includes Paddle Northern Ireland. We also recognise that our work is ongoing and ever-changing, and we will review our work and commitments on a regular basis and share them with our members and wider community.
Paddle-Ability
Our inclusive programme that focuses on increasing regular participation for disabled people in paddling.
Resources
- Introduction to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion eLearning
Everyone should be able to access and enjoy paddling regardless of their identity, background or circumstances. This Introduction to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion eLearning is for anyone wanting to make a positive change and make their paddling environment more inclusive, it takes approximately 30 minutes to complete with ideas, tools and resources to help you.
- Introduction to Disability Awareness eLearning
It’s important to consider the disabilities of any paddlers around you as a coach, centre manager, leader or fellow paddler. This 20-minute eLearning module covers types of disability, terminology and showcases how an inclusive paddling environment can benefit disabled people.
- Inclusive Language eLearning
This 30-minute single-module eLearning covers the importance of using inclusive language and the positive impact it can have on those around you. This 30 minute module covers, different inclusive language terms including those relating to people with disabilities or mental-health conditions, the range of pronouns, identifying and tackling inappropriate banter and recognising and tackling microaggressions.
- Moving to Inclusion
Moving to Inclusion is the hub for equality, diversity and inclusion in sport and physical activity. It is an initiative by all the UK Sports Councils to provide resources and support for sport and physical activity organisations, moving towards a more diverse and socially responsible sector. It includes an opportunity for self-reflection and continual improvement.
- Disability Sport NI
Disability Sport NI is Northern Ireland’s main disability sports charity working to improve the health and wellbeing of disabled people through sport and active recreation. They work with people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities of all ages and with schools, disability groups, sporting organisations and clubs to ensure that everyone can benefit from the health, social and education benefits of sport and active recreation. They have an extensive online resource library to support the health and wellbeing of people with a disability or long term health condition.