Pat Hendrick
Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club
#BeActive Local Hero Award nominee
Pat Hendrick, with his team of coaches and volunteers at Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club, have worked closely with Meath Local Sport’s Partnership on a number of different activities and initiatives. One population group Pat and the club in particular has been linking with is children with a disability and their families. The initiative began with a taster session last year as part of European Week of Sport 2020 and have now developed into more consistent weekly activities, or blocks of programmes at different times of the year. Pat has been the driving force within the club on all things inclusion and has led the group in attending various workshops and training seminars on how best to include people with a disability in activities. The initiative of ‘Inclusive Canoeing’ as it currently stands sets the club out as a welcoming inclusive hub for people with a disability
“The initiative in its simplest form gave children with a disability the opportunity to be part of an activity that normally they would not. ‘Inclusive Canoeing’ gave 25 children and their families (parents/siblings) the opportunity to engage in water-based activities. The feedback received from parents spoke about the positive impact the programme had on their child in reducing anxiety, lifting their mood, and providing them with an outlet to look forward to each week. The parents also mentioned the help and patience shown by the club volunteers guided by Pat and that this welcoming open approach really made the experience a positive one for all.”
Pat’s role as the figure head of the Club’s inclusion drive was key to getting other club members involved and creating a base of volunteers that would give their time each week to assist the inclusion group. The base of volunteers made the participants feel welcome and at ease each week and they were able to build a relationship with each other again making the experience a positive one.
The initiative and the contribution from Pat and the Club is special because it is giving children with a disability the opportunity to be part of an experience and activity, they ordinarily wouldn’t have the opportunity to engage in. Pat’s contribution of time and leadership is all totally voluntary, and his drive comes from a passion of making the club inclusive, welcoming, and open to people of all abilities. Pat and Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club have set the standard in county Meath on how to be inclusive of people with a disability. He has been a true #BeActive Local Hero and Sport Ireland are delighted to recognise him as a deserving nominee for the European Union #BeActive Awards.