Sadly holiday hunger continues to be an issue that prevents thousands of children in the UK enjoying their summer holidays.
This year the Kingston Kayak Club played a role in providing a number of kayaking, canoeing and SUP sessions in the centre of the city.
In Hull and many other cities the Department for Education created the Holiday Activities and Food programme. Which is around enriching the lives of eligible children with activities and healthy food.
All six sessions were popular and the places were booked immediately. In total nearly 100 children between the ages of 6 to 14 years took part.
They had a brilliant time in the renovated lido learning new skills, playing games and getting very wet. All the groups were boisterous and their laughter and excitement could be heard for miles around. Tranquillity only returned when they sat down to enjoy the healthy lunch provided.
Dave Rawding Chairman of the KKC said:
“Our club is based in a deprived area of the city and supporting this ambitious programme was an obvious choice. The children that attended had a great time and the feedback from them and their adults was superb.
“It’s sad that this type of support is required however I am proud that we can provide low cost access to adventure sport in an urban area and on these occasions with the added bonus of free food “what’s not to like”.
“Fourteen of those that attended have then come to subsequent club sessions of which five are now regular members paddling each week. Two weeks after the school holidays had finished were 32 youngsters on the water which was a record for the club.”
Cllr Rob Pritchard, Chair of HCAL said:
“We were delighted to have partnered with Kingston Kayak Club to deliver paddle sports sessions as part of the Summer 2025 Healthy Holidays Activity Programme.
“Almost 100 children participated across six sessions, experiencing kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding at Albert Avenue Pools Lido, a fantastic opportunity for them all.
“KKC offer a wealth of experience from their volunteers who staffed the sessions and we’re very lucky to have them on board.”