A group of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have been given the chance to experience previously inaccessible water sports courtesy of Capita through the Sea Cadets.
Today’s event at the London Docklands was sponsored by Capita’s Project Selborne, and saw 30 young people aged between 9 and 14 trying out rowing, kayaking and sailing on the Thames.
It forms part of the Sea Cadets’ ‘On The Water Programme’ which provides thousands of young people from low-income communities the chance to experience the thrill of water sports, learn something new, and earn qualifications which provide the potential for opportunities across maritime sectors.
The young people from East London would ordinarily not be able to afford to take part in water sports. Many of them have caring responsibilities, have been part of the care system themselves, experience disabilities or have additional educational needs. Through charity and business working together, Capita and the Sea Cadets have provided the activities to ensure that young people get to experience fun as well as the benefits of water sports during their summer holidays.
Water sports are a fantastic way of learning outside of a classroom environment. They can build skills in young people such as confidence, communication and personal growth as well as the physical benefits of being in nature and taking exercise. Through the programme, young people who are keen to gain a qualification in paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing are encouraged to do so.
Capita’s Project Selborne team, who are responsible for leading the Royal Navy’s training modernisation contract, also took part in activities at the London Docklands today to raise awareness for increasing diversity and inclusion in the Sea Cadets and Royal Navy. Sea Cadets is the UK’s leading maritime youth charity, supported by and closely linked with the Royal Navy.
Sea Cadets is the main Ministry of Defence Sponsored Cadet Force for the Royal Navy, open to all young people aged 9 to 18 years of age across the United Kingdom.
“The inclusion that the Sea Cadets achieves through this programme is compelling for Capita as a purpose-led organisation. We’re delighted to support young people from East London who are able to participate as they do not always have access to water sports to experience the fun and adventure that being on the water provides. The young people here today will benefit tremendously from physical activity, being outside of their comfort zones and honing their communication skills in a new environment. And we know that for some this will be create a path for them in lifetime to greater opportunity and achievement,” said David Hook, CBE, Managing Director – Project Selborne, Capita.
“Thanks to the support of Capita’s Project Selbourne, Sea Cadets has been able to change the lives of 30 young people today and each day throughout the summer. By giving them a first taste of the fun and adventure that only boating and watersports can provide, I believe we are broadening their horizons forever – because they now know that getting on the water is not out of their reach, and that organisations like Sea Cadets are there to help them access these experiences.”- Martin Coles CBE, Chief Executive, Sea Cadets”
Notes to editors:
Project Selborne, a 12-year contract, commenced operations on 1 April 2021. It is a strategic partnership with the Royal Navy to transform 80% of shore-based training for sailors and marines. Over the life of the project, 26 separate contracts and services will be consolidated into a single integrated service. Team Fisher, the consortium of partners led by Capita to deliver Project Selborne, is transforming the delivery management and support of training for individuals to increase their availability to the operational frontline, now and for the future.
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