Waves for Change is a surf therapy charity that has helped children as well as trained coaches in surfing, lifesaving, child protection and trauma counselling and now they have been awarded a prestigious international award!
The charity was started by Tim Conibear in 2011 as a way to help children from underprivileged area’s learn to swim and surf. Waves for Change operates in five locations around the country and uses surfing as a way to help children overcome psychological challenges.
The charity provides a safe and fun environment for the children. Tim Conibear has helped over 1 000 children learn lifesaving skills and surfing. He has also trained 50 coaches in surfing, lifesaving, child protection and trauma counselling.
“Surfing to these young people is everything. It is an escape, a challenge and a chance for young people to learn and achieve something. In the past four years, we have seen young people with no hope and lacking in confidence return to education, build relationships, develop into talented surfers and become leaders in their own communities.” – Tim Conibear
Laureus World Sports Academy hosted its 2017 Laureus Awards in Monaco this year and awarded the ‘Sport for Good’ award to Waves for Change. The chairman, Sean Fitzpatrick, said:
“The work being done by Tim and his team at Waves for Change is inspirational to say the least. Disadvantaged youth, who are in desperate need of support and direction are given a new lease of life through surfing. It is an incredible success story and my fellow Academy Members were inspired by the work of the programme.”
Tim Conibear is so happy his organisation has made such a big difference in the life of South African youth. He is really happy to hear about the award,
“It is an honour to receive this reward from the Laureus Academy and it is further proof that what we doing is working.” – Tim Conibear
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