Determination + Dedication = Results Starting with the basics, the majority of the youngsters in the programme had never been in a paddle craft before, “That is something from the movies,” they said. Over the weeks and months, the coaching team has taught the learners various paddling techniques, boat skills, and basic game play. Many of the learners have already shown an aptitude for the sport and confidence in the vuvubats, and some of the learners have even learnt to Eskimo roll their bats. Despite the very wet and cold Cape winter, the learners have demonstrated incredible dedication, determination, and enthusiasm to the development programme, often wanting to paddle and play for another ‘5’ minutes, which usually means another 20 minutes or more. The aims of the development programme include making the sport more accessible to disadvantaged communities, as well as developing a seriously competitive development team and potential members for future national squads.
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A future from sport The development programme aspires to be more than just access to a sport. The programme aims to provide life skills for the leaners too. Gravity Adventures has partnered with the Polo Development Centre to identify youths with an aptitude for paddling. These paddlers will be put through a river-guiding course, and once successfully completed, they will receive an NQF accreditation and employment in the tourism industry of river rafting and kayaking. Further opportunities and life-skills training are being investigated and planned in conjunction with the Department of Sports and Recreation.