Thruscross Reservoir. Photo: Tom Blackwell CC-BY-SA-2.0

Thruscross Reservoir. Photo: Tom Blackwell CC-BY-SA-2.0

More than 200 youngsters will get a taste of the outdoors in a project backed by the organisers of the 2012 London Olympics.

The young people will be able to take part in climbing, orienteering and sailing in the GoDales! event next month. The activities will be offered to those living in areas surrounding the Yorkshire Dales national park and the Nidderdale area of outstanding natural beauty.

The project will host the outdoor activity day at Thruscross Reservoir in the Washburn Valley, west of Harrogate. It has been granted the Inspire Mark – recognising projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Lord Coe, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: “The Go Dales! adventure day is encouraging young adults to fulfil their potential.

“I am proud that, with the help of partners such as the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, we are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in active outdoor recreation in the countryside.”

The event, which also forms part of Canoe England’s ‘Go Paddling’ programme, will run on 8 May at the Yorkshire Water-owned reservoir, and will also include taster sessions in canoeing.

Go Dales! project officer Kath Needham said: “The adventure day is completely free and is aimed at 14- to 25-year-olds who want to have a go at some of the activities the project offers.

“And, if they live within an hour’s drive from Grassington, there may be an opportunity to attend further funded sessions to continue developing their skills.”

Sixteen to 25-year-olds from the Keighley, Bradford, Craven, Richmondshire and Sedbergh areas are being offered the chance to take up the activities in the national park and AONB and organisers hope to provide a link between the young people and clubs and organisations specialising in their chosen activity.

National Lottery funding, through Sport England, has enabled the project to go ahead.

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