The funding has been earmarked for the Trust’s new sailing academy, opening this week at the V&A Waterfront. The Academy aims to give vulnerable, disadvantaged and disabled children the opportunity to grow and learn through ocean experiences, the growth mindset and sailing.
Western Cape, South Africa (23 March 2022) – Local NGO The Little Optimist Trust has received international recognition and a grant of almost half a million rand (27,500 euros) from the Paris 2024 Olympics, in association with the French Development Association.
The Trust, started by big wave surfer Greg Bertish, is the only South African organisation out of 10 bodies recognised for their work in sustainable development through sport in Africa. The other recipients are from Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Madagascar, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia.
The Little Optimist was created to be a character, a metaphor and a vehicle to connect with kids, to promote positive thinking and belief, and to create a passion and purpose to overcome obstacles in life. Through his humanitarian work with children, Bertish saw that many marginalized and compromised kids (and everyday people) in South Africa, had very little to live for. They had a lack of hope, passion and desire to follow their dreams. As a child, he too lacked confidence, had bad acne, was a poor student and was bullied. He later endured 200 days in hospital and underwent 2 open heart surgeries due to an undiagnosed Tropical Bacteria that attacked his heart valves.
Using his life-changing experiences and adventures, the passionate South African created the story of The Little Optimist, a tiny boat with a huge heart. A little character that inspires kids to overcome their circumstances, to do good, to be optimistic and to never ever give up.
The funding has been earmarked for the Trust’s new sailing academy, opening this week at the V&A Waterfront. The Academy aims to give vulnerable, disadvantaged and disabled children the opportunity to grow and learn through ocean experiences, the growth mindset and sailing.
“This is such a big thing for our Academy. The fact that the development arm of Paris 2024 has recognised and chosen to back us is incredible. It’s tough for South African charities to get recognised and to pass all the due diligence checks and balances required by big international groups. We now have the partner and the funds to create the first of its kind, Sailing Therapy Academy,” says Bertish.
The Academy will eventually reach up to 900 children a year between the ages of eight and 15. The balance of the required funding will be provided by the Trust’s main sponsors, Two Oceans Marine, Italtile and Southern Wind Shipyard.
Paris 2024 and The French Development Agency’s “Impact 2024 International” call for projects seeks to identify those making a difference in the areas of health and wellbeing, education and gender equality across the African continent.
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