Two Pentland canoeists selected for Fit for Girls programme
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Two "inspirational" girls from Thurso-based Pentland Canoe Club (PCC) have been picked for a special two-year Scottish Canoe Association (SCA) programme.
PCC members Maree Ford and Ava Deighan will join nine other girls from across Scotland as part of the Fit for Girls team. All the girls have shown a real passion for paddlesport and are said to be "keen to share this passion" to inspire other girls to get involved, according to the SCA.
They start a two-year programme delivered in partnership with sportscotland. The main aim of the programme is for the team members to encourage more girls their age to take part in paddlesport at their own club/centre.
In an interview with SCA Maree Ford said: "I am passionate about kayaking and although this year was my first year out on the sea, I've been going to the pool sessions run by the PCC since 2021. I love the opportunities kayaking provides like travelling and exploring as well as just the feeling of being out in the boats.
"Paddlesport can improve for girls in a few different ways. From what I've seen kayaking in Caithness, the biggest improvement that can be made is increasing opportunities like courses, expeditions and trips throughout more remote parts of Scotland.
"If this happened with a focus on local groups – especially outside of the Central Belt – and the youth members within, then the reduced travel and increased opportunities for each age would be bound to get more people involved and able to learn new and different things."
Ava Deighan said: "I've been surfing and paddleboarding since I was young and kayaking for the last two years. I love paddlesport because I love to explore our amazing coast. I get to explore sea caves, see wildlife and even meet new friends.
"I want to help get more girls my age involved in paddlesport by showing them how much fun it can be and what you can achieve if you just set your mind to it.
"I think paddlesport in Scotland could be improved for girls. I am one of three girls in my local club. We need to advocate for girls and show them that this isn't just a sport for men, we can do this too – we can do anything that men can do, and even better! I am an extreme believer of girls supporting girls."
