
The canoe club is situated at the dock side on waste land at Barrow where he, with assistance, has built a club site out of shipping containers. Over this period of time he has trained countless numbers of youngster and adults,some with special needs, in the art of canoeing and kayaking on flat water, wild water, sea, rivers, lakes etc from Barrow and the surrounding area.
Many of these have gone on to become coaches themselves. Before this he was a scout leader and taught them as well to canoe. He has forged strong ties with special need schools, mainstream schools, guides, scouts, colleges, youth groups,local council run groups, main stream and special needs and has given countless folk the opportunity to achieve great things.
Even if that means just being able to sit in a canoe for some thats a big step or coming 1st in their age group. You only have to see the success that has been achieved by the youth group who this year have won the National UK Wavehopper championships 2014, National UK whitewater championships 2014 as well as making 6 young members 1st in their age groups for the UK and the Lightning North west regional championship 2014.
John also trains a canoe polo team. These achievements only scratch the surface of what has been achieved by DCC with his help over past years. None of this would have been possible without all the coaching and help he has provided. John transports the boats and kit on the back of his trailer all over the country which means that those that dont have facility to do so dont miss out. He will give lifts to members should they need it to the races in his car. He organises family outings where all the members of the family can get involved on a days paddle.
He gives everyone the opportunity to achieve so much.
BREAKING NEWS – congratulations on making it to the final three in this category, see you on the red carpet at the Forum in March!
Posted by Andy