News
Czech company helps divers with disabilities fulfill their dreams
The best Christmas present is to feel free!
Divesoft, the unconventional company from the landlocked Czech Republic which produces hi-tech diving equipment for top technical and cave divers all around the world, believes that diving can have a positive impact on the lives of everyone. Thus, the company are big supporters of organizations who arrange diving training for people with disabilities.
Imagine the possibilities
Diveheart is an American NGO which provides educational scuba diving programs for people with disabilities. Their motto, “Imagine the possibilities“ reflects their mission to inspire individuals who have a variety of disabilities including physical and developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more, to take on challenges they may have never considered, such as diving. In support of Diveheart’s efforts, Divesoft has lent Freedom computers, with helpful easy-to-read-screens, to assist divers with oxygen dosage, dive planning, and a host of other functions.
A diver with paraplegia. Source: Diveheart Facebook
Diving with a disability in a country without the sea
For those with a passion for diving, it can be unimaginable living in a country without access to the sea. But fortunately, even in the landlocked Czech Republic, there are amazing opportunities for divers to enjoy the underwater world; for instance the dams, quarries, and abysses, including the deepest in the world, the Hranice Abyss. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the Czech sports club for people with disabilities, SKV, offers diving as one of their activities, alongside dancing, skiing, floorball, table tennis and more.
Diving is an extremely popular sport among individuals with disabilities. Tomáš Kratochvíl, Head of the Diving Club at SKV, who suffered a spine injury and subsequent paralysis of his lower limbs and partial paralysis of his upper limbs in 2009, shares “Diving is one of the few sports in which a person with a disability does not need aids such as a wheelchair, handbike, etc. It allows us to forget, at least in the moment, the differences between those who walk on their own and those on wheels.”
A diving course for beginners. Source: SKV website
Divesoft would like to help individuals with disabilities make a full return to their active selves. Through cooperation with organizations like SKV, Divesoft hopes to make a positive impact on these individuals’ lives.
A diving course in Elba. Source: SKV website
Dreams do come true, especially at Christmas
Diving is undoubtedly a magical experience. What’s better than becoming an Avatar for a moment and moving through the water without limitations! However, for those who don’t dream to dive, Divesoft also fulfills wishes on the Jeziskova vnoucata, a Christmas Wish List project which helps bring cheer to the eldery during the holidays.
Making people happy is truly the best gift that can be given!
For more, visit www.divesoft.eu/en.
Marine Life & Conservation
Steve Backshall to headline Shark Trust’s flagship event: For the Love of Sharks
Join a host of amazing, shark loving, speakers including Steve Backshall and the Shark Trust team for an evening celebrating shark conservation at the Royal Geographical Society in London this November.
Date: 29th November 2024
Time: 6-10pm
Location: Royal Geographical Society, London
Tickets: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
The event will be a celebration of all things shark. Those lucky enough to get hold of tickets will hear from engaging guest speakers with a passion for sharks.
The line-up includes (*subject to change if unforeseen circumstances arise)
Steve Backshall: One of television’s busiest presenters, BAFTA award-winning wildlife expert Steve has been passionate about the wild world ever since he was young.
Steve’s impressive TV career has taken him all around the world, investigating a wide array of species and environments. Steve has filmed over 100 hours of children’s wildlife programmes with the BAFTA award winning Deadly 60 franchise and recently, with Sky Nature, for his new series ‘Whale with Steve Backshall’. He has been a patron for the Shark Trust for 10 years.
Simon Rogerson: is a photojournalist specialising in natural history, diving and the sea.
He is editor of SCUBA magazine, the official journal of the British Sub-Aqua Club. Simon started his career as a crime reporter but gravitated towards his ‘less depressing’ interest in underwater exploration, joining the staff of DIVE magazine in 1999. In 2005 he was named ‘Editor of the Year’ in the PPA’s Independent Publishing Awards. Simon also works as a freelance writer, contributing frequently to the Sunday Times and Telegraph, in addition to BBC Wildlife, Esquire, and a host of international diving magazines. He is the author of a book, Dive Red Sea, published by Ultimate Sports. Now based in Berkshire, Simon has been a Patron of the Shark Trust for 20 years.
More speakers to be announced soon. Head to the Shark Trust website to learn more.
The evening will also allow guests the final chance to see the Oceanic 31, shark art exhibition. Some of the artwork will be auctioned/raffled at the event, while the rest will be auctioned online to raise money for the Shark Trust Oceanic Programme.
For the Love of Sharks is an evening with something for everyone who is interested and fascinated by sharks. Join the Shark Trust, their Patrons, Trustees and Staff, along with a host of supporters for this celebration of shark conservation.
For more information or to buy a ticket: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
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