Where will we find the next Sir Steve Redgrave? How will the next kayak champion discover their hidden talent? Will water sports’ newest gold medallist be from Islington? Maybe so, as Islington Boat club looks to broaden its courses and opportunities, with discussions taking place this week for a private partnership to allow them to expand their charity work.
This news comes after the club received two major grants over the summer to help them to continue providing affordable water sports courses for young people.
The chair of the club, Eric Ronenson has stated that the potential connection will enable the club to expand on a charity basis as well as a commercial one. He added: “it will ensure that the club will be able to put on more services for children.”
The club has been enabling local residents to learn kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding since 1974. The club’s founder had noticed that the canal was not being used, so persuaded the council to allow it to acquire a nearby building in which they now host their equipment.
Islington was ranked in the bottom 30% for quality of health in the last census in 2021. The boat club provides a healthy outlet to the outdoors, while also giving young people the chance to develop new skills.
Highbury patch reporter, photographer, polyglot, student journalist specialising in political and social movement reporting.
Islington-based journalist with experience at the London Evening Standard. Covering local politics, community issues, arts, and development. Focused on delivering clear, accurate reporting on the stories shaping Islington.