Boats Come In at Christ College – Thanks to Olympics Coach David

 

Christ College has taken delivery of two Bell Boats - and they were brought to the school by the designer of the revolutionary craft himself, David Train.

 

David is an internationally recognised Olympic Canoe coach, who devised the 10-seater, twin hulled craft to open up the sport of canoeing to a wider group of people than is possible with one-person canoes.

 

The boats have been provided as part of the Extended Schools Project, so that up to twelve local schools will benefit from a foundation in paddle training

 

Based at Pittville Lake, the boats will be used for after school clubs, festivals and water based sporting events.

 

Christ College Sports Centre Manager Dave Potts said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to offer water borne activities in the heart of Cheltenham, and we hope that youngsters will be inspired to develop their interests with one person canoes, perhaps even to competition level.”

 

Dave Potts adds: “Bellboat sessions will be starting on Pittville Lake very soon.  In addition to organised school use, they will be available to local youth organisations to use of an evening.  Any group wishing to discuss the potential use of the boats by their group should enquire through me at Christ College Sports Centre on 01242 702220, ext 240.”

 

David Train and the Paddle for Life scheme

 

David Train is a man with a mission—to use motivational coaching techniques to help the environment! His Paddle for Life scheme—whereby stylised wooden paddles are signed by international dignitaries to symbolise their commitment to a unified strategy against climate change— is growing apace, and one of his paddles was signed by Indian guests Niranjan Singh and Rama Rao, who are on an exchange visit from Hyderabad, and Head Teacher at Christ College, Teresa Gilpin.