Ref: PR1776
Date: 13/05/08

Pugneys Country Park has a new OnBoard Development officer to encourage people to take up sailing and windsurfing.

'OnBoard' is a national scheme which is aimed at getting more young people involved in sailing and windsurfing.

Liz McDonald previously worked at Pugneys where she developed her sailing skills and became a qualified sailing and windsurfing instructor.

Liz said: "I am really pleased to have been given this chance to encourage more people into sport. Windsurfing and sailing are really interesting ways to stay active and I will be working with clubs and organisations regionally to get more children and young people involved.

"Sailing and windsurfing have something for everyone - they can be a relaxing leisure experience or a high adrenaline, high-performance sport. OnBoard gets people out on the water, teaches them new skills and it's great fun too."

Wakefield Council is working with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) on a national initiative to increase young people's participation in sailing.

A national target to get half a million children involved in sailing has been set for the next 10 years. The OnBoard Development Officer role is a three year post and is part funded by the RYA.

For more information on how to get involved contact Liz at Pugneys on 01924 302360.