THIS weekend, Port Solent will be hosting a Watersports Weekend with the Andrew Simpson Foundation.

This will involve giving visitors the opportunity to get on the water in a kayak or SUP, in a sectioned off area in the Port Solent marina.

This year, Port Solent has committed to helping disadvantaged children get out on the water by supporting the Andrew Simpson Foundation as its charity partner.

The Andrew Simpson Foundation uses sailing to promote health and wellbeing and develop personal skills that will improve a young person’s ability to succeed in life and work. The charity facilitates a wider participation in sailing, encouraging children and young adults from all backgrounds to get out on the water, catering for a range of physical and educational abilities.

Port Solent’s Lisa Fowler explains why the centre has committed to supporting the foundation: "Being based alongside the marina, we have a strong link with the marine industry and through hosting events for kids and being a family destination, we thought a charity that helps children of all abilities get out on the water was very apt," she says.

"The locality of the Andrew Simpson Foundation also appealed to us, and the back story of Andrew Simpson, also known as Bart, was truly inspiring.

"We’re delighted to give our visitors a watersports taster at our Watersports Weekends with the Andrew Simpson Foundation. The events will provide a great example of what the charity offers and we hope guests will get out on the water and have lots of fun."

Amy Harvey, Communications and Media Coordinator at the Andrew Simpson Foundation, said: “We are really excited to have been given the opportunity of becoming the charity partner for Port Solent this year.

As well as providing the local community and visitors with the chance to try out a variety of watersports, this partnership allows the Foundation to demonstrate the groundbreaking work we are continuing to deliver and the positive impact this is having on the lives of disadvantaged young people.”

For more information on the Andrew Simpson Foundation, visit: www.andrewsimpsonfoundation.org.