Local canoe club makes history with Erasmus+ Sport Grant

The Erasmus+ grant, awarded through Léargas, will support six GCC volunteers travelling to Kotka, Finland, where they will spend several days with Kohina Canoe Club. Through job shadowing and practical observation, participants will exchange ideas and learn about coaching, inclusion, safety, volunteer development and club governance.

The project has been designed to strengthen Graiguenamanagh Canoe Club by investing in its volunteers and bringing new knowledge and ideas back to benefit the wider club and local community.

GCC Chairperson Jimmy Duggan welcomed the award, saying: "We are delighted to receive this Erasmus+ funding. It is a fantastic opportunity for our volunteers to learn from another successful club, build international friendships and bring home ideas that will help us continue developing paddlesport in Graiguenamanagh. Everything we learn will be shared with our members, ensuring the benefits of this project extend well beyond those travelling."

As part of the project, participants will share their learning through presentations, mentoring, coaching and improvements to club practices. The partnership is expected to continue when Kohina Canoe Club visits Graiguenamanagh as part of a reciprocal exchange, allowing both clubs to learn from one another.

The Erasmus+ Sport programme supports grassroots organisations across Europe by encouraging international cooperation, volunteer development and the sharing of good practice.

Graiguenamanagh Canoe Club would like to thank Léargas, Erasmus+, KRSP, Kohina Canoe Club and all those who helped make this exciting opportunity possible. The club looks forward to building a lasting partnership that will benefit volunteers, members and the wider paddling community in both Ireland and Finland.