The award was granted following an extensive reflective process and detailed report, followed with an in-depth assessment through two panel presentations and in-the-field assessment through conversations with the paddlesport community from the independent panel of assessment. 

The Advanced Level of the Equality Standard for Sport is given to those organisations that have made significant progress towards diversity within board, staff, coaches, officials, members and participants, have mainstreamed equality through their functions, policies and procedures, and have developed further initiatives to address under represented groups.

We were particularly commended for the clear commitment and the approaches we are taking to develop an inclusive and accessible sport at all levels.

Stuart Smith, CEO of the Scottish Canoe Association, said:

“Paddlesport For All, the SCA’s Strategic Plan, sets out our ambition to make paddlesport as accessible as possible and to remove barriers that prevent people taking up our sport. We are really proud of the work that’s been carried out to date including the formation of the various Equality Groups who are working to make this a reality. The awarding of the Advanced Level of the Equality Standard to the SCA recognises our aim but we realise there is so much more work that we will continue to engage with in order to realise our ambition of Paddlesport For All.”