CEO Statement re COVID-19
Mar 23, 2020
Statement from Stuart Smith, SCA Chief Executive Officer
Dear paddlers, clubs, course providers and everyone in the paddlesport community.
I am writing to you at a time when we are all having to adapt to fundamental changes in the way we go about our daily lives. So many things we take for granted have been curtailed and many of the plans that we have made at work or in education and at home have been cancelled or postponed.
Over the last few days, based on the government advice, centres and clubs have had to suspend activities and many people who have dedicated their careers to helping others enjoy the outdoors have had their work reduced or halted. We acknowledge that there are serious consequences for individuals and organisations. The SCA has already highlighted to our partner, sportscotland the significant number of people (including self-employed) that rely on the outdoor sector for their livelihood.
Within Scottish Paddler magazine, which is currently being printed, we had initially listed all the planned events taking place this year. However in the last couple of days before going to press, we removed many events including the Club and Volunteer Conference and the Scottish Women’s Paddle Symposium as well as competitions across all paddling disciplines, when it became clear that these could not run. It cannot be underestimated how much work by dedicated volunteers goes into planning all these events. When we get to a point where things can be considered for rescheduling, the SCA staff team will enthusiastically support the SCA committees to bring these events back and to get people on the water.
Some of you had planned trips and expeditions this summer and several individuals have been preparing for British team selection events across a range of disciplines, including the Junior Slalom selection events which would have begun last weekend at Nottingham and the first sprint regatta of the National series due to have been this weekend. It is hugely disappointing for the individuals and coaches who have been looking forward to excelling at key national and international events, which are now cancelled.
For many of us it is not possible to paddle right now and we urge you to consider the safety of others as well as yourselves in everything that you do. The SCA Campsite is closed and we will monitor it using CCTV until we are able to reopen it.
In the meantime there are some opportunities for people to get involved such as free access to UK Coaching e-learning, and the
British Canoeing Digital Library containing many free learning resources. We are also exploring other ways we can support our members and the paddlesport community at this time such as online sessions or resources and we would love to hear from you with suggested topics. Maybe you or your club would like to host an online session about an aspect of paddlesport? Please get in touch (office@canoescotland.org and keep an eye on our news and social media channels for more information.
Last week we took the decision to move staff to remote working, based on plans already in place for such a situation. Whilst the office is closed, all staff remain contactable and we strive to assist and support you as normal. The best email address for general enquiries is office@canoescotland.org
or you can contact any individual directly using their email address or mobile number from the website. You can also leave a phone message on 0131 317 7314 and voicemails are responded to regularly Mon-Fri 08:30-15:30.
It will take us all time to adjust to new ways of engaging with and supporting each other. It has been really heartwarming to see people reaching out to others in a caring and supportive way and the sharing of great examples of resilience and tips on staying safe, healthy and active when paddling is restricted. All this should mean that we can collectively make a much bigger splash when we are given the go ahead to resume our normal activities and events.
We do not know yet what all of this will mean for us long term, however, we will be back on the water at some point and I know, based on the passion people have for paddlesport, that we will all be supporting and encouraging each other when that time comes. In the meantime we will continue to update you with any news on the website and SCA social media.
On behalf of the whole of the SCA please keep yourself and others safe and please keep in touch. Be assured that we will continue to do everything we can to support paddlesport in Scotland.
Our best wishes to all
Stuart Smith
Chief Executive Officer
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS
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We are pleased to announce a new course date available to book for the BCAB Core Coach Training taking place online.
Mental Health First Aid Training - 20th May 2024 at Glenmore Lodge AWARD IN FIRST AID FOR MENTAL HEALTH AT SCQF LEVEL 5 (1 day course) We are delighted to be able to offer you the opportunity to complete Mental Health First Aid Training at Glenmore Lodge Monday 20th May 0830 - 1730. This will be run by Noush Duffy and Mo Samson - two experienced paddlesport coaches, Mental Health First Aid trainers and part of the Paddle Scotland Equality Groups. This Paddle Scotland course is being offered at the subsidised rate of £75 (inc. lunch and refreshments for the day). Bookings close 5 May . Sunday evening accommodation at Glenmore Lodge is also available to book via the link below. We are passionate about supporting paddlesport coaches to increase knowledge in this area so you can better support the people you work with. We'd love it if you could attend. Login to JustGo Then click here to book This forms part of our longer term strategy to increase Mental Health knowledge and awareness within our coaches and leaders and will be the first of other subsidised courses to follow.
We have two upcoming training opportunities for coaches wanting to become a provider of the Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course.
Spaces are available to book for the All Ability session at the 2024 Scottish Women's Paddle Symposium, which will take place 17-19 May 2024 at Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore.
