THREE inspirational sailors from Vincentia High School are setting their sails for a world-class event.
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The students Ryan, Thomas and Jade are students from the school’s special needs class and they are now representative standard sailors.
They will be taking part in the Hansa Class Combined World and International Championships in Hiroshima in October.
Teacher Sandy Clark said the students were inspirational.
“They are students with additional needs and are members of our support unit that provides additional assistance for students,” Mrs Clark said.
“They have a range of different learning needs that are met in the classroom.
“However, they are obviously very capable once out on the water.”
Each week up to 15 special needs students go sailing on Shoalhaven River for a sail but three have been selected to sail in Hiroshima.
Some of the students were very shy and reserved and this has certainly given them a huge boost in the confidence and helped with their ability to interact with others
- Sandy Clark
The three students impressed the Sailability NSW Incorporated - Shoalhaven Branch mentors, according to Mrs Clark.
“Ryan, Thomas and Jade showed a keen interest and some skill and the wish to pursue sailing as a sport,” Mrs Clark said
The students have taken part in a number of regattas and have been competing against other sailors, along with getting their training every Thursday.
Mrs Clark knows all students well and says sailing has been beneficial to all of them.
“Some of the students were very shy and reserved and this has certainly given them a huge boost in the confidence and helped with their ability to interact with others,” Mrs Clark said.
“Thomas, Ryan and Jade are proud to represent their school and the Shoalhaven.
“So certainly it has an impact on all aspects of their life.”
They are in Japan for just over two weeks.
The regatta starts on October 10 and they arrive in Hiroshima two days before competitions starts which will give them some time on the water in Hiroshima Bay.
They will be competing against other sailors from around the world.
We would like as much help as possible from the community because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for these students.
- Sandy Clark
“We are the only school that has partnered with a sailability club in Australia,” Mrs Clark said.
Mrs Clark said all the students love the sailing program.
The student sailors have also been away for weekends for regattas.
“It has been a huge learning curve but the students have all benefited in many ways,” Mrs Clark said.
The sailing program helps the students with all parts of school life.
“They certainly feel very connected and engaged with the school community and their attendance rate is impeccable and they are rarely away,” the teacher said.
“They are keen to be part of the whole school community and I think the inclusive feel is so important for students with disabilities.”
They are hoping to raise as much money as the can which will help ease the financial burden on the students and to towards making the trip memorable.
“We would like as much help as possible from the community because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for these students,” Mrs Clark said.
“None of them have ever been overseas before and so its a huge step in their lifelong goals.
“They are really excited and their parents are very supportive.
“Without the support of the community, this would not be happening.
“We have already been fortunate enough to have received a number of donations of gift vouchers and prizes from local business and received some funding from the Department of Family and Community Services.
None of them have ever been overseas before and so its a huge step in their lifelong goals.
- Sandy Clark
“However, we are still looking for one major sponsor to come on-board because we need to pay for the shipping of the boats to get to Hiroshima plus airfares and accommodation and living in an overseas country for two weeks is quite expensive.”
On Friday, March 16 at the Bomaderry Bowling a fundraising extravaganza will be held.
Kiki Bittovabitsch will entertain with her interactive comedy routine and music will be provided by local band Jane’s Sister. There are fabulous prizes to be won with a raffle, auction and mystery balloon/bags.
Tickets are available at www.trybooking.com/UCTW.
The group is also running a major raffle with some great prizes.
Raffle tickets can be purchased from staff and students from the support unit or call 4441 6766 and ask for Mrs Clark.
Raffle tickets will also be on sale at the Vincentia Village Produce Markets on Thursday, March 1 and Thursday, March 15 from 2pm-6pm.
First prize is a Hobie Evolution Stand up paddle with $1800 donated by Totally Immersed Watersports, the school and the parents and citizens, second prize is two nights at The Moana holiday house, Huskisson and third prize is a Dive Jervis Bay $100 voucher and Dolphin Watch family Cruise worths $92.
