Honors Bestowed on Welsh Sailing Charity Volunteers for Their Impact
In a heartwarming recognition of their dedication, Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz, volunteers from the sailing charity SEAS Sailability, based on Anglesey, Wales, have been presented with the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards. This prestigious accolade honours individuals and organisations that go the extra mile to support water activities in Wales.
SEAS Sailability, the charitable organisation, was founded by Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz with a mission to help disabled people and their families enjoy water activities. The charity operates from the Conway Centre, offering a range of activities including sailing, paddleboarding, swimming, powerboating, and trips aboard a wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat.
The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards highlight the significant contributions and impact of these volunteers in promoting sailing and supporting disabled individuals through their work with SEAS Sailability. The organisation's mission is to enable people with disabilities to experience the joy and benefits of sailing, which aligns with the values recognised by the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards.
Jon Gamon, the technical director for SEAS Sailability and an outdoor education teacher at Ysgol Aberconwy and the Conway Centre, first had the idea of providing more watersports opportunities for disabled people in 2017. His vision has since grown, with SEAS Sailability now accommodating 30-60 participants for each of its sessions.
Richard, Chair of Trustees for SEAS Sailability, aims to support other Welsh centres to provide water activities for disabled people. He finds inspiration in the smiles of participants, a testament to the positive impact SEAS Sailability has on the community.
Ken Newing, a fellow SEAS volunteer, put Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz forward for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards, stating that it's a pleasure to nominate them for their continued effort to make the sport more accessible.
The demand for SEAS Sailability's activities is phenomenal, with the organisation taking out participants with various disabilities, along with their families and carers, who wouldn't otherwise be on the water. The adaptive equipment used by SEAS Sailability, including accessible seating and giant paddleboards, is also shared with The Conway Centre, enabling it to provide inclusive activities as well, including for schools.
Nominations for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards are open for participants, staff, volunteers, instructors, coaches, race officials, clubs, classes, and centres. The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards are run by the sport's governing body to align with its strategy of creating a connected, inspired, and inclusive Welsh sailing and boating community.
All pictures in this article are (c) Karl Midlane, SEAS Sailability.
[1] SEAS Sailability was founded by Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz to help disabled people and their families enjoy water activities. [2] Information about getting on the water with SEAS or beginning a sailing journey can be found at RYA Start Boating. [3] Jon Gamon first had the idea of providing more watersports opportunities for disabled people in 2017 while working as an instructor at the Conway Centre. [4] SEAS Sailability has 30-60 participants for each of its sessions. [5] SEAS Sailability became a registered charity due to the administrative efforts of Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz during the Covid pandemic. [6] The activities offered by SEAS Sailability take place in a fun, safe, and social environment. [7] The demand for SEAS Sailability's activities is phenomenal. [8] Richard, Chair of Trustees for SEAS Sailability, is aiming to support other Welsh centres to provide water activities for disabled people. [9] Ken Newing, a fellow SEAS volunteer, put Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz forward for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards, stating that it's a pleasure to nominate them for their continued effort to make the sport more accessible. [10] The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards were recently presented to Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz. [11] The Conway Centre is the base for SEAS Sailability, offering a variety of activities such as sailing, paddleboarding, swimming, powerboating, and trips aboard a wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat. [12] SEAS Sailability's adaptive equipment, including accessible seating and giant paddleboards, is shared with The Conway Centre, enabling it to provide inclusive activities as well, including for schools. [13] The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards are run by the sport's governing body to align with its strategy of creating a connected, inspired, and inclusive Welsh sailing and boating community. [14] Nominations for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards are open for participants, staff, volunteers, instructors, coaches, race officials, clubs, classes, and centres.
- Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz, founding members of SEAS Sailability, were recognized for their dedication with the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards, which they received for promoting sports such as powerboating and sailing, and supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Through their work with SEAS Sailability, Jon Gamon and Richard Horovitz have demonstrated that water activities like powerboating and sailing can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with disabilities, thus encouraging the growth of sports in Wales.
