The Wasser- und Wintersport Club Lippstadt e. V. has been active in the area of school, youth and young talent work in Lippstadt for many years.
In addition to the promotion of competitive sport, the largest and most important component is the active support of children and young people in the area of water sports.
In cooperation with the association, Lippstadt schools offer canoeing as a real school subject, as an all-day activity or as a club.
The River Lippe, which flows right through Lippstadt, is actively used for the project.
The project was launched with a grammar school.
However, thanks to the positive experiences at the beginning, other schools were also accepted.
The “Schulkanu” promotion has even received an award from the Federal President.
A significant further development was the expansion of the project to two special schools in Lippstadt.
A canoeing project is a particular challenge for the children at these schools and is also subject to special conditions.
In addition to the pedagogical approach, the topics of “getting used to water” and “losing fear” also require a coordinated infrastructure and special material in order to convey a great sense of achievement and, above all, fun.
In order to implement this for the children with special needs, the association has made many things possible and provided them.
In addition to the existing infrastructure on the club premises, the jetty was optimized and additional equipment (life jackets, helmets, etc.) was purchased.
However, the Lippstadt Water and Winter Sports Club still needs other things, as there was a lack of the necessary equipment.
Special boats are required for children with special needs.
A large access hatch makes it easier to get into the boat and, in the event of capsizing, it is very easy to get out of the boat.
This conveys a feeling of safety.
The boats must be particularly stable against tipping.
Thanks to their shape and water flow, these boats are very easy to drive and steer straight ahead.
This gives an immediate sense of achievement.
And paddles are also needed to steer a boat.
These can be adjusted in length and angle.
This makes it possible to react quickly to the individual needs of children and young people.
The Karl Bröcker Foundation purchased the boats for the children with special needs for the Lippstadt Water and Winter Sports Club.
Photos: (c) WSC Lippstadt e. V.
