Children from Reach For a Dream and others from disadvantaged backgrounds experienced the joy of sailing, learnt a few life lessons, and received a dose of inspiration, at the Little Optimist Sailing Day at the Zeekoevlei Yacht Club on Saturday April 6.
Children with health challenges from the Reach For a Dream Foundation, as well as children from the 9 Miles Project, which works with youth in coastal informal settlements, joined well-known charity campaigner and multiple cardiac-surgery survivor, Greg Bertish.
He gave them a taste of what it is like to sail an Optimist, a small boat that is traditionally used for children’s sailing. “Our aim is to give these kids and their parents hope, teach them a skill and spark a passion – something to fight and live for,” said Mr Bertish.
As someone who spent more than 200 days in hospital, Mr Bertish’s mission is to provide children with the confidence to overcome the obstacles that life has thrown at them.
“Kids face tough operations and uncertainty. I hope to show them that sick people can still go on to achieve amazing things,” he said.