Trailriders partner mobility challenged people with volunteer sherpas to navigate wooded trails. It will be one of the activities available to participants at Nature Includes Everyone on Monday at Westwood Lake. (TrailRider Trails)

By Kyle Ireland

outdoor playday

Inclusivity key for ‘Nature Includes Everyone’ event at Westwood Lake

Aug 11, 2019 | 12:07 AM

NANAIMO — An event highlighting community inclusion will take place on Monday Aug. 12 at Westwood Lake.

‘Nature Includes Everyone’ aims to provide accessible sport and outdoor options for those with sensory, social or mobility challenges.

Adapted equipment such as kayaks, paddle boards and trail riders will be available. The equipment will be paired with trained and experienced operators.

The Nanaimo Child Development Centre will host the event and Tracy Berg told NanaimoNewsNOW it extends well beyond the scope of individuals in wheelchairs or with physical challenges.

“When you have a child that is on the autism spectrum, they’re dealing with insecurities or just don’t like the way something feels and you have someone who knows how to handle those situations it just makes it easier.”

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The event is free of charge, requires no pre-registration and aims to get the whole family involved.

“Being able to include parents and siblings is important so they feel like they’re a part of something and not just segregated away from from their families.”

Berg added seeing children with different challenges excel at new activities can be a huge boost.

“They’re so excited because just like other children can jump in a kayak and go out and play.”

The event runs from 10 a.m. until to 3 p.m. and organizers plan to make the outdoor playday a yearly event.

kyle.ireland@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Kyle_Ireland31