The Soul Sailors Programme provides an opportunity for women with disabilities to get involved in water sports by linking in with existing sailing clubs in Athlone and Mullingar.
The SIDO provides disability awareness training to the sailing clubs and the clubs then appoint a disability liaison officer. On completion of the training, each club is required to facilitate the use of their club by people with disabilities. This is achieved by modifying existing club boat/boats (if required) for use of disability groups to include where feasible adapted equipment such as a hoist.
The legacy of the programme is to provide affordable, innovative and a sustainable project. To create an opportunity for people to actively participate in sailing by reducing the cost barrier associated with the sport and to create social inclusion through a mainstream sport and club setting.