This summer, DSActive worked with the RYA to run three sailing festivals for people with Down’s syndrome. After successful events in Cornwall and London the final session was in Liverpool. One of the DSActive team went along to see how they got on.

Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre is based in Crosby just North West of Liverpool. The famous sculpture by Anthony Gormley of 100 male statues looking out to sea is just a few hundred meters along the coastal path from the centre.

The Centre is a busy venue, with water-based activities, a gym, restaurant, bedrooms and function rooms. We were thrilled that they were to host their first sailing festival for people with Down’s syndrome.

Unfortunately, what we hadn’t counted on was Hurricane Lorenzo hitting Liverpool the very same day. In the run up to the festival, strong winds and rain had hammered the centre making us all doubtful that we would be able to get out on the water. However on the Saturday, the weather cleared, and a huge amount of credit is due to the staff at the centre for putting on a great range of activities for the participants.

Participants could choose between a variety of activities, including outdoor climbing, indoor team building activities and a ride on the speed boat. For many, this was their first time out on a boat and it did not disappoint. This is perhaps summed up perfectly by one young gentleman who declared “That was so mint.”

We’d like to say a big thank you to Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre for all their hard work, to Down Syndrome Liverpool for their support and to the RYA for their financial support.

Here’s to many more adventures on the water…hopefully without a hurricane the next time!

Photos courtesy of Down Syndrome Liverpool