Rivertime Accessible Regatta

Great Marlow School were invited to attend the first ever Rivertime Accessible Regatta, which was held in the beautiful grounds of Bisham Abbey. This event has been created by two charities: The Rivertime Boat Trust and Give Them a Sporting Chance, to offer children with a wide range of abilities the chance to try new water and/or land-based sports or activities they might not otherwise have the opportunity to do, and to take part in competitive events in a fun, safe and controlled environment.

HRH Princess Anne is the patron of Give Them a Sporting Chance and attended the regatta. With over 20 schools taking part, our students were very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet the princess and spend a few minutes chatting to her.

The sun shone throughout the day and the students made the most of the activities on offer in the stunning surroundings. After arriving and registering, the participants took part in a bell-boating session. Equipped with buoyancy aids and paddles, the 10 KS3 students enjoyed a short trip along the River Thames.

Next,they participated in some of the land-based activities on offer. Laser rifle shooting, followed by archery, which challenged their reaction and accuracy skills. Wheelchair basketball gave some of them a chance to experience a sport from a different perspective, while the accessible cycling allowed students of all abilities to engage in a task that tested both their coordination and spatial awareness.

Towards the end of the action-packed day, we were back on the water again. The students were invited aboard a ‘wheely boat’. This vessel was adapted to carry passengers in wheelchairs,as well as non-wheelchair users.

For the last activity of the day, our students could choose between sailing and paddle-boarding. The sailors were accompanied by an instructor and all developed capability and competence on the water. The paddle-boarders quickly realized that theirs was a difficult activity, requiring strength and balance; they thoroughly enjoyed the sport.Everyone had so much fun mastering the technique, everyone enjoyed the fun of falling in!

The Rivertime Accessible Regatta was a fantastic event for our GMS students to take part in. The programme of water and land-based sports was designed to include people of varying abilities and to give everyone the chance to try something new. The GMS participants showed enthusiasm and great teamwork throughout the day, facing new challenges with confidence and independence.