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The Guernsey Sports Commission has appointed its first development officer for outdoor and adventure sports.
Alan Jenner wants to use his new role to break down perceptions about outdoor and adventure sports being exclusive and make them accessible to more of the island.
Steve Sharman, the Commission’s Relationship Director, said: “We are really pleased to welcome AJ to the team and excited about this new role and what we hope it is going to provide for our whole community.
“Outdoor and adventure sports is a real growth area and the island provides the ideal environment for these sorts of activities to take place.
“We… plan to focus [sporting activities] around the new development at La Vallette and Havelet Bay."
Pictured: The facilities which serve the Bathing Pools at La Vallette are currently undergoing extensive refurbishment.
Mr Jenner is an experienced paddle-board instructor. He is looking forward to the challenges of his new role as the island's first outdoor and adventure sports development officer.
“The issue is that outdoor and adventure sports can often been seen as exclusive because of the cost and need to access kit and equipment,” he said.
“I want to be able to reduce this friction and make it accessible to the whole community.
“My aim is to establish a friendly and welcoming environment open to all people at all levels helping them to achieve their own ambitions."
The role is jointly funded by the Commission and a private benefactor.
One of Mr Jenner's objectives will be train and support teachers, coaches and volunteers. He also said that safety will be paramount in all his work.
Pictured: Guernsey's first Outdoor and Adventure Sports Development Officer, Alan Jenner.
“I will also be working with all the existing service providers and outdoor and adventure sports community and developing a water safety strategy, which is something the island has been lacking for some time,” said Mr Jenner.
“But it’s not just about outdoor and adventure sports. I’m hoping to deliver life skills, learning about our natural environment, the tides, the weather, how to decide when it’s safe to go out on the water.
“My ambition is to make the area around Havelet Bay and La Vallette a centre of excellence, providing a stepping stone for people on their outdoor and adventure sports journey.
“I would love to hear about what people want or how they would like to participate.
"I don’t want people to think that it’s all about abseiling down a 200ft cliff. It’s about embracing our whole outdoor culture and environment.”
GALLERY: La Vallette development on track for Easter opening
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