A pioneering community project that has enabled Muslim women to feel safe while engaging in water sports has been nominated for a London Sport Award. Oar and Explore, an all-female boat club with a majority Muslim membership based in Tower Hamlets, was established by Poplar HARCA and the East London Canal Access Network. The initiative aims to build confidence and leadership skills while transforming the Limehouse Cut, the capital's oldest canal, into a more welcoming environment.
Impact and Growth
Since its launch at the end of 2021, approximately 150 women have taken part in the introduction to paddle sport course. Of these, 15 have progressed to become qualified instructors, demonstrating the programme's effectiveness in fostering leadership and sustainable participation.
Terri Calbraith, Poplar HARCA’s Strategic Partnerships Manager, expressed her enthusiasm: “I have been involved in community development for two decades, and this is the first time we have created something with genuine potential for sustainability. Often, when funding ends, programmes lose momentum. But I truly believe this can outlast us. We have provided the right training, and we are committed to maintaining the pontoon, offering boat storage, and supporting them without it becoming a massive financial burden.”
She added: “I am usually hesitant to claim that a six-week programme changes lives, but this has genuinely transformed the lives of a group of these women. The group has evolved into a community in itself – ten of them took a BMX course, and a walking group has formed. There is a lot of affection and support, and that has been wonderful to witness.”
Addressing Community Needs
Tower Hamlets is home to the largest Bangladeshi population outside of Bangladesh, and Calbraith explained why the project specifically targeted Muslim women. “They were the furthest from the typical kayaker, in our view. The people using the water did not reflect the local community at all. We thought we would have to persuade people to join, but we could not have been more wrong. The demand was unprecedented, and we knew we had found something special. It is low-cost for the community and led by the community.”
Sessions now take place from a renovated pontoon near the Teviot Estate, which is undergoing a major regeneration project. Two women who have benefited from the programme will attend the London Sport Awards ceremony at the iconic Guildhall on April 29.
Recognition and Future
Poplar HARCA has been nominated in the Inclusive London Award category. Calbraith commented: “The nomination is external validation. We believe we are doing something really good, so it is nice to see others agree. The initial funding for the trial came from London Sport, so it feels like we have come full circle. We are honoured to be nominated.”
London Sport is a charity dedicated to helping all Londoners live longer, healthier, and happier lives through physical activity. The London Sport Awards, supported by the City of London Corporation, highlight the capital’s unsung heroes who are enabling Londoners to lead more active lives.
