Sailing forward to support members of all abilities
Wangaratta’s North East Windsport Club will soon welcome new members with disabilities thanks to a change room facilities upgrade made possible by a donation from Inland Rail’s Community Sponsorships and Donations program.
April 9, 2021
The new disabled facilities, which are located across from the club rooms, are expected to be completed by the end of May.
North East Windsport Club Secretary Michael Reid said non-profit clubs like his survive on community grants and donations, such as the one Inland Rail offers.
“We do a lot of fundraising ourselves, such as Bunning’s sausage sizzles, but they’re very onerous on our members’ time and cut into the time we could be spending engaging in our sport,” Michael said.
“Donations like this one mean we can not only spend more time Blokarting (sailing on land) and sailing, but more importantly attract more members, including those with limited abilities. This sport is a sport for all ages and all abilities.”
The club’s summer season is coming to an end and they will continue regular sailing every Saturday, up until mid-May where members will participate in the next interclub regatta hosted in Wangaratta.
“We will then embark on our winter series where we conduct monthly events (weather permitting). In September this year, we also hopeful of hosting the Victorian State Championships,” Michael said.
“Blokarting is a fun sport. We don’t race for sheep stations – just bragging rights – and to help improve our skills. At the elite level, it is very competitive and very challenging. At the club’s level, it’s just a hoot!”
The next round of Inland Rail’s Community Sponsorships and Donations Program is now open until 30 April. Find out more information here.
Find out more about the North East Windsport Club here.
