Steve Jewson and Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) have been recognised for their long-term commitment to providing surfing experiences for children with disabilities.
Geelong-based not-for-profit children’s therapy organisation Kids+ awarded Mr Jewson the Donna Shaw Spirit of Kids+ Award for organising and running Jan Juc SLSC’s annual Surf Ed program.
The award recognises a community member or group who has made a significant voluntary contribution to Kids+.
Jan Juc SLSC’s week-long Surf Ed program, which has been running for the last eight summers, gives children with disabilities the chance to get in the ocean, experience being on a surfboard and maybe even go for a jetski ride.
Mr Jewson said it was “a very pleasant surprise” to receive the award.
“It’s not entirely me, I’m just the guy that coordinates it, but yeah, it was lovely,” he said.
“No one goes into these things for anything like this, so it was nice to be thought of in that way.”
Each year 20 to 25 children participate in the program, with a similar number of volunteers helping deliver it.
Mr Jewson said the program had a significant positive impact on both participants and volunteers, many of whom were also young people.
“It’s amazing to see smiles on dials, taking kids out of their comfort zone, letting them just be kids,” he said.
“And the bottom line is, the kids who live down the coast and belong to surf clubs live in a bubble, they live a privileged life, so it’s really good for them. They’re always keen to come back the next year, they just love the experience.”
Mr Jewson also thanked Torquay Angling Club, Torquay Marine Services and Go Ride a Wave for their support of the program.
