Science teacher Sam seeks right formula for sailing
by Hamish Stuart, RYA Wales 26 Oct 2012 11:53 BST
26 October 2012
Science teacher Sam Healy is the new South Wales Club development officer for WYA, after being given the chance to learn to sail as a Christmas present.
Healy is also a Touch Rugby Wales senior international, having recently competed at an event in Treviso, Italy, with sport being a major part of her life.
She has moved from the OnBoard scheme in South Wales to take on the wider responsibilities, while still hoping to focus on wider participation for sailing as one of her main goals.
"I have been teaching science for 13 years, so this is a chance to use that experience having started with the OnBoard scheme in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot," explained Healy.
"Eight years ago my husband's Christmas present was to learn to sail in Mumbles, so I enjoyed that and went on to become a dinghy instructor volunteering at Mumbles.
"At that time Iwan Basten was the South Wales development officer and he had a scheme putting volunteers with less experience alongside more experienced coaches and I had the chance to learn from some really good people before qualifying as a senior instructor.
"My 12-year-old son is in the Regional Optimist squad for South Wales so if I am not working then I am taking him to events and training, therefore it doesn't leave much time for my own sailing."
This summer was particularly busy with that and also training for the European Touch Rugby Championships in Treviso where Healy was part of the Wales mixed seniors team which reached the final before losing to England 9-7.
Healy may be from Bristol originally, but there was no doubt about her allegiances as she said, "I was so disappointed when we lost. I have never felt so patriotic in my life.
"I enjoy all sports – sailing, touch rugby, cycling and tennis in particular – so it is just nice to see more people out there enjoying their sport.
"I would like to engage with all the clubs and see participation of both children and adults sailing increase here in South Wales. The OnBoard programme is key to providing local children with the opportunity to have a go at sailing and windsurfing. I have seen youngsters jump in a boat for their first time and reach backwards and forwards like a pro! It is wonderful to see the smile on their faces. Sometimes sailing or windsurfing may not be their cup of tea, however it is important that each child gains confidence in sport and can then go on and try other new sports.
"Coming in on the back of the Olympics should make it a really good time to make sure kids get the opportunities to develop.
"For instance we had a great weekend at a Sailability event held by Gwent Adventures, deliberately timed to be after the Paralympics, which really showed there is a demand there which made it very successful."
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