Sunday, June 7, saw 15 children from across the county diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder hit Tenby's South Beach for the annual 'Splash Out - Surf Experience' event. The day was run by a team of volunteer surf buddies who donated their time and expertise in delivering a one-day experience of beach activities, surfing and safety education to the children.
Event co-founder, Angelo Fecci, said: "This year's experience day has been truly incredible. It is amazing to see how these children develop throughout the day with trust, confidence and social interaction."
Parents at the event described the event as 'golden' and referred to the surf buddies as 'exceptional people'.
Splash Out, now in it's second year, has seen a growth in popularity for both participants and volunteers, attracting the attention of many, not only within Pembrokeshire, but across Wales. In addition, the increased amount of support from local businesses and people has been incredible this year to be able to provide this truly overwhelming opportunity for these children. A special thank you goes out to Oakwood Theme Park for once again being the main sponsors for the event.
In order to offer this opportunity to even more children and their families across Wales, the organisers rely on awareness being raised by the sharing of theirFacebook page (@SplashOut-SurfExperience) and website (http://www.tenbyslsc.wix.com/splashout">www.tenbyslsc.wix.com/splashout). The aim is to continue to offer the Tenby surf experience while looking into expanding into new areas and new activities. Any feedback or suggestions are welcome via the Facebook page messages.
Thanks for support
Organisers Angelo Fecci and Rachel Hensman from Splash Out Surf Experience would like to officially thank all the local businesses that donated towards the 2015 event for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Firstly they would like to thank Oakwood Theme Park for sponsoring them for a second year and providing every child with free entry to their park. In addition, they would like to thank Tenby Boxing Day Swim and Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim for electing them as one of their chosen charities for 2014/15, respectively. These funds enabled them to produce opportunities for these unique children. They would also like to thank Folly Farm who also donated free entry to the park for every child.
For the first time, Splash Out organised an amazing experience giveaway where each child received an experience to look forward to with their families. Splash Out thanks Heatherton World of Activities, Saundersfoot Reptile Experience, Sara and Mario Fecci at Fecci's Cornet Counter, Park Road Fish and Chip Shop, Board Games, Celtic Quest Coasteering, Ocean Commotion, D. Fecci and Sons Fish and Chip Shop, Tenby Fishing, Sian and Geo at Fecci's Ice Cream Parlour, Tenby Boat Trips, Tenby RNLI and Lifeboat, Overhang Climbing and Ben Childs at Caldey Island.
Finally, a massive thank you goes to all volunteer surf buddies and Gareth Martin Photography for capturing the special moments.
For more information on Splash Out, visit their Facebook page @SplashOut-SurfExperience or visit our website http://www.tenbyslsc.wix.com/splashout">www.tenbyslsc.wix.com/splashout.