On Sunday 1st December 2019, the Ramsgate kite pirates, along with a host of other kite surfers from all over Kent came together at Westbrook Bay with one goal.
To raise awareness and much needed funds for us. Over 35 kite surfers turned out for the event also with a bright array of fancy dress!!
They took to the sea at 9:30 am so a very chilly and brave start.
A big big thank you to Graeme Rolbiecki and everyone that made this such a special day. These guys have raised well over £1800 from donations to the event and the sale of T-shirts which were made for the event by Born Anxious and sensory clothing range that also donate to us regularly.
Graeme Rolbiecki - Instructor at Kite Pirates Kite School said 'The Kent Autistic Trust and Born Anxious were brought to our attention earlier this year during free kitesurf taster sessions that were run at the BKA Kitesurf freestyle championships in Ramsgate in conjunction with Active Ramsgate.
A young family with children on the autistic spectrum came down to the beach to get involved and fly some kites. they enjoyed the day so much that one of the parents reached out to thank us personally, he explained that days on the beach and sports in general can be very challenging for autistic children and that the super friendly instructor had made the whole experience very inclusive and fun, this in turn prompted me to reach out and see if there was anything else we could do.
So this year in conjunction with Born Anxious, they made The Kent Autistic Trust the benefactors of their end of teaching season charity effort.
Born Anxious are a small local business that produces a range of ethically manufactured kids and adults clothes to raise awareness of the problems children and families living with autism face daily, you can view their products on their website https://www.bornanxious.co.uk/
Kellie Barker founder of Born anxious said 'The event will be a yearly event according to the Organiser Graeme Rolbeki. We caught up with him after and he said it was a pleasure to hold the event for such an amazing cause, Born Anxious we're thrilled to design the event T.shirt's, which the surfers wore on the day and supporters also purchased. We have been so thrilled to be supporting this event for Kite Pirates kite school, inclusion through sport is vital for the special needs community and we are really happy to be supporting the school and the event'.
There is still time to donate!! If you would like to support the event, you can visit the justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kitepirates-downwinder-kentautism which has so far raised a massive £1,594.84!!
The Kite Pirates surf school are based in Thanet and offer sport sessions for local children / young adults on the spectrum. For further information, please visit their website https://www.kitepirateskiteschool.com/
Thank you to everyone from us all at The Kent Autistic Trust
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