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Lossie surf school on crest of wave after funds boost


By Lorna Thompson

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A LOSSIEMOUTH surf and swim school for young people with disabilities will extend its reach after being buoyed by a National Lottery handout.

The boost of £100,000, announced today, will allow Friendly Access (SCIO) to build on its adaptive surf and swim group sessions for young people with hidden or physical disabilities. The funding means the group will increase the number of locations it works in across Moray and Aberdeenshire.

Glyn Morris, chief executive of Friendly Access, said: "We are hugely delighted and indebted with the recognition received from The National Lottery Community Fund.

"We are very proud of our SurfABLE and SwimABLE Scotland projects and equally of our surf and swim athletes and volunteers who have supported and placed their trust in us.

"Based in north-east Scotland and serving everyone regardless of disability or condition, we are Scotland’s only adaptive surf school which, as it happens, is also delivering the world’s most northerly surf therapy programme.

The Lossiemouth-based SurfABLE and SwimABLE Scotland projects have been handed £100,000.
The Lossiemouth-based SurfABLE and SwimABLE Scotland projects have been handed £100,000.

"I’m just so excited for the team and all involved as we now find ourselves in a very privileged position and capable of reaching our full potential."

The surf school launched in November 2017. It runs outdoor surf sessions from May to October and pool surf sessions in the winter months from November to April.

The SurfABLE and SwimABLE Scotland projects give individuals, their carers, parents and families associated with any disability and condition, the chance to take part in adventure by removing barriers to the sports.

Operating mainly from Lossiemouth, the group regularly visits Sandend, Aberdeen and Caithness.

It is the world’s most northerly surfing therapy school, catering for more than 130 families with a volunteer pool of 15.

The National Lottery Community Fund shared £881,000 among nine projects across Scotland today.


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