Lough Boora Parklands

The Rehab Waterways Adventure in Association with Bord na Móna sees the heritage boat, the 'Nieuwe Zorgen'  set sail for four weeks from 12th May, visiting towns and villages throughout the Midlands of Ireland on an awareness-raising and fundraising adventure for Rehab. This is the second year of the adventure. At each stop along the route local people are invited to come and take a look at the heritage boat up-close and meet its owner and captain, Eric Kemp.

The final stage of the adventure takes place on Sunday, 12th June at Lough Boora Parklands in Co. Offaly marked by a not-to-be-missed event for friends and family to enjoy. ‘Unlock the Adventure at Lough Boora’ is a  fun filled family event that will include a range of activities for all ages such as guided nature trails, face painting, arts and crafts plus much more.

The key attraction of the event will be ‘The Great Dragonfly Hunt’ which has been specially created for the occasion.  Younger children will be invited to help rescue the (pretend) baby Dragon Flies before the evil hunters catch them – guaranteed to get lots of excitement and interest from children and adults alike. The 'Nieuwe Zorgen' heritage boat will also be docked at the nearby village of Pollagh and visitors can avail of a free shuttle bus to and from the main event to visit the boat.

Speaking of the event, Pauline Crowley, Head of Fundraising with Rehab, said “This is our second year celebrating the Rehab Waterways Adventure in Association with Bord na Móna and we’re very excited about it. The Nieuwe Zorgen’s voyage along Ireland’s waterways will not only raise awareness and funds for Rehab, but also promises fun for all the family. Unlock the Adventure at Lough Boora was a great event last year and this year we are hoping it will be even bigger and better and will raise some much needed funds for Rehab.  Rehab works in over 125 locations across Ireland, supporting over 7,500 people in enabling them to realise their dreams, learn skills, access job opportunities and live more independent lives. Funds raised by the adventure will go to support the development of Rehab’s high-quality services in local communities throughout Ireland.”

Speaking on behalf of Bord na Móna, Gerry O’Hagan, Group Director Marketing & Communications said “We as a company are delighted to support the Rehab Waterways Adventure, which complements our  “new contract with nature” vision perfectly. The main event, Unlock the Adventure at Lough Boora showcases our magnificent parklands in Co. Offaly and we are looking forward to attracting even bigger crowds to the event this year.  It is a great opportunity for new visitors to see this beautiful outdoor facility for the first time and explore the nature and sculptures there.”

For further information and dates for the Rehab Waterways Adventure in Association with Bord na Móna, please visit www.rehab.ie or call 01 205 7268

About the Nieuwe Zorgen
The Nieuwe Zorgen was built in The Netherlands in 1904, the boat is unusual in that it boasts a 50-foot mast enabling it to sail on canals, rivers, lakes and seas – it can even sail comfortably in Force 6 conditions. The boat’s long and colourful history includes a likely sinking by the Dutch to hide it from the Nazis during the Second World War.

About Rehab
Rehab works towards a world where every person has the opportunity to achieve their potential. Over 3,350 Rehab staff members provide high-quality health and social care, training and education, and rehabilitation, employment and commercial services in Ireland, England, Scotland, The Netherlands and Poland. The people who currently use Rehab’s services include young people and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, people with mental health difficulties, people with autism and people with an acquired brain injury. A range of essential services is also provided to older people, carers and others who are marginalised. For more information see www.rehab.ie