Canoe believe this? West Leeds Activity Centre to launch fantastic new activity

Local school children and their teachers will be taking to the water next week (Wednesday 6 March) as they test out and launch a new canoeing activity on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The new canoeing activity will be offered to schools and groups amongst a whole raft of other activities which are already on offer at WLAC.

A new purpose built pontoon has been constructed which has been partly funded by the Canal & River Trust (the wellbeing and waterway charity that looks after the Leeds and Liverpool Canal) and the Inner West Community Committee Wellbeing Fund.

The Inner West Community Committee Wellbeing Fund has also provided additional funding for canoes and safety equipment.

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When: The media and photographers are invited to attend the launch event of a new canoeing activity at West Leeds Activity Centre at 12pm on Wednesday 6 March.

Interview/photo opportunities will be available with Councillor Venner (Deputy Executive Member for Children and Families) as well as children and teachers from a local primary school, WLAC staff and a representative from the Canal & River Trust.

Where: West Leeds Activity Centre, LS12 2RE.

Media are kindly requested to email joely.ewbank@leeds.gov.uk to confirm attendance.

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As well as canoeing, West Leeds Activity Centre also offer a wide range of year round outdoor activities for both children and adults including climbing, go-karting, motor biking and much more. There is also a full range of indoor activities and sports on offer.

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, said:

“West Leeds Activity Centre offers a fantastic range of activities from climbing to motor biking to orienteering. It’s easily accessible from across the city and is a brilliant place for children and young people to develop skills and gain confidence.

“I’m thrilled that they are launching a new canoeing activity which I’m certain will be very well received going into the warmer months.”

Councillor Julie Heselwood, Chair of the Inner West Community Committee, said:

“The West Leeds Activity Centre is a fantastic place for both children and adults to experience activities that they might not usually get the chance to.

“I’m absolutely delighted that our fund has been able to help facilitate a new canoeing activity, giving schools and groups the opportunity to canoe in a safe environment in the heart of the city.”

Tom Wright, Development and Engagement Manager at the Canal & River Trust, said:

“Our charity looks after the Leeds and Liverpool Canal as part of a network of 2,000 miles of waterways. Canoeing is one of the great ways to enjoy our canals and rivers.

“We’re delighted to be working with West Leeds Activity Centre to help enable children and young people to learn new skills while discovering their local waterway.”

More information can be found at www.westleedsactivitycentre.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information about the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/leeds-and-liverpool-canal. 

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing

Tel: 0113 378 6007

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk