The 4th Annual Sailability Super Sunday took place last weekend and Director of the programme Bob Bailey is delighted with the response both financially and the show of support. “Nearly 350 people walked from the National Sailing Academy through English Harbour to Nelsons Dockyard. Most of the walkers were from the disabled community of Antigua with all manner of disability.” He went on to say, “This day is the key fundraiser which pays to keep the programme operating. Money was donated by corporate sponsors and private citizens of Antigua along with funds generated on the day raised a total of EC$35,000. We are delighted with the response and want to thank everyone who contributed.”
This was the largest gathering of those differently abled ever to be assembled at one time in Antigua. It took place to support the Sailability Antigua Sailing programme which operates out of the National Sailing Academy year-round.
Sailability Antigua is the only program that offers recreational activity for disabled people in Antigua as well as in some cases the opportunity to sail independently. For many people who are part of the disabled community it is the highlight of their week, giving them interaction with their peers in a different environment and a fantastic experience on the water.
Sailbility Super Sunday is a full day programme which includes the walk lead by a marching band, as well as a party back at the National Sailing Academy. Through the afternoon pan players, clowns, face painters and games kept children entertained and the event came to a climax with live music from live band 1761. Alongside this, seven teams of superyacht crew held a fun sailing regatta on the new dinghy dock built specifically for the Sailability programme.
Patron of both Sailability Antigua and the National Sailing Academy, Governor General His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams and wife Lady Williams, the founder of the Halo Foundation, presided over the event. The Honourable Minister Samantha Marshall plus her two Permanent Secretaries also attended the event along with 500 people from the community.
It’s the third year that Budget Marine Antigua has been part of this event as one of the main supporters. “We’re very pleased that we were part of Sailability Super Sunday again this year and pledge our continued support” said Louisa Norris, General Manager of Budget Marine Antigua. “We support sailing and boating in all forms and to contribute to this activity, which paves the way to allow people enjoying a day out on a boat regardless of their age, mental or physical challenge, is what we are quite happy to do and will support in any way we can to make it a success.”
