an Students, Jordan, Emma & Ray
Equestrian & Other Sports at Riding for the Disabled’s Causeway Coast Arena
For the past 35 years RDA Coleraine has provided riding and driving opportunities for persons with a disability, living all along the North Coast area.
Activities re-commence on Tuesday 14th September – school groups attend on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday mornings from 9.30 – 12.30 approx. Individual attend on Tuesday & Wednesday evenings from 6.30 – 8.30 approx, and Saturday mornings from 10 - 12 approx.
The Group relies solely on volunteers who kindly donate their time to help at RDA Coleraine provide its equestrian based service.
Since the move to the new premises at the Causeway Coast Arena, the OWLS Multi-sports Club has been established to co-ordinate the provision of a number of other sports for our clientele. So for the incoming year RDA would welcome persons willing to help with a number of other sports – currently these include archery, bocce and new age kurling – information on possible developments is available from Michelle or Janet at the arena – 028 7032 0147.
As a result of OWLS activities over Summer 2010, about 20 new riders signed on for our individual rides, and have been accepted into our evening & Saturday morning rides. Unfortunately this demand for places has meant that riders who attend with their school group cannot also be accepted for a second ride, unless there are still clear vacant spaces.
However, a group of friends of RDA Coleraine are planning to launch a Riding Club, quite soon, on Saturday afternoons, so everyone will get an additional opportunity to participate, either on their own horse, on on a horse hired from RDA Coleraine.
New sports people and helpers are invited to contact Michelle or Janet on 028 7032 0147, or to visit the Arena at the times listed above – however, it is a good idea to make contact earlier as some paperwork must be completed before anyone can take part.
ASDAN Community Volunteering Qualification
In conjunction with the sporting activities at the centre, RDA Coleraine provides volunteers with an opportunity to gain a professionally recognised ASDAN qualification, in CVQ (Community Volunteering Qualification), levels 2 and 3. This education scheme has been running since 2006, and has had many successful volunteers who have achieved this award and UCAS points.
Indeed in the current year, several ASDAN Candidates have achieved their university place courtesy of their ‘extra’ CVQ points.
A condition of the course is volunteers must volunteer a minimum number of hours over the course of the school year with RDA Coleraine. Equestrian activities may include leading or side walking ponies, tacking and un-tacking, and general stable duties, but there is now a wider range of opportunities with the introduction of the multi-sports club.
All volunteers are trained in the appropriate range of skills at an induction session, and on an ongoing basis. The students undertake some written/practical work, and present a portfolio at the end of the programme.
The programme commenced on 2nd October & is now full for the evening sessions, but there may be a few places on Saturday morning, but applicants must apply SOON, and will be considered on grounds of suitability. (Forms are available from RDA Coleraine). An ASDAN Registration fee of £50 is payable.
If you are interested in registering with the programme in future years, contact the Youth Leader, Rosie Clyde, Tel: 028 7032 0147; Email: r.clyde@live.co.uk. There is a £50 ASDAN Registration fee.
RDA Coleraine, 184 Castleroe Road, Coleraine BT51 3RW
Web-site: www.rdacoleraine.org
