Tourism in Richmond County

Something has come to my attention that I feel deserves our support, so I am asking all readers to vote for this Nova Scotia entry in Pespi Refresh Contest. Surfers could use your vote. Pespi is giving away over one million dollars in grants to fund great ideas. The winners will be decided by the number of votes place online. Voters can vote once each day for their favorite project and the contest runs from May 1st to June 30th. Of course all the projects that are entered are worthy, but the project that I feel is most important has been entered into the contest by the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia (SANS). SANS's idea is a 2 part plan. First to have access available to coastline and ocean activities for everyone. There objective in reaching this goal is to ensure beach access to coastline in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia. The second part is to start a surf program which will be focused on specialized lessons to be offered to people with disabilities and learning challenges. This is the part of the project that really interests me because Richmond County is fast becoming a well known surfing destination. The Surfing Association of Nova Scotia hopes to create a surf program that will be made available to people who face challenges and have disabilities throughout Nova Scotia. Working with people with disabilities is nothing new to our area, as the St. Peter's Yacht Club has provided sailing lessons for the disabled in past years. Professional surf instructor Michelle Richards has provided surf lessons at Point Michaud for the last 8 years through a recreation program sponsored by the Municipality of Richmond. Michelle has worked with people with many kinds of disabilities. In one instance, a deaf child was able to overcome his disability and learn how to surf. Michelle knows the satisfaction of seeing people who may struggle with dealing with everyday life overcome these obstacles and achieve a goal that gives them a feeling of accomplishment and increases self esteem.
Lets help these less priviliged people receive accessibility to this program province wide. These types of programs can only be accomplished by having the needed fund to start them. The project is in the running for a $25,000 prize. Voting once a day online may help provide some of the funds needed, so lets do it. Go to www.refresheverything.ca and place your vote once a day and help make the difference.