Hemel Hempstead Canoe Club had double reason to celebrate last week as they shared Britain’s Olympic glory.
The club held a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of a major refurbishment of the clubhouse, courtesy of Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Place People Play programme.
Prior to that, club members watched as Great Britain triumphed in the Olympic slalom competition, winning gold and silver in the men’s Canadian doubles.
One of the silver-medal winning pair was Richard Hounslow, who began his paddling career as a youngster at Hemel Hempstead Canoe Club.
Hemel Hempstead Canoe Club head coach, Robin Oakley, said: “Our Inspired Facilities funding has given us just the boost that we need to encourage youngsters and adults alike to get into paddlesport.
“Having role models like Richard is great inspiration for canoeists of all abilities to push themselves and discover what they can achieve”.
The club offers recreational and competitive canoeing across a variety of paddlesport disciplines, with members participating in canoe polo, dragon boating, marathon canoeing and slalom at national and international level, as well as more leisurely trips on the canal and weekends away.
For further information on the club, please visit www.hhcanoeclub.com