Budget Marine Antigua in conjunction with Caribbean Alliance Insurance is proud to be sponsoring Sailability Antigua. Sailability was founded successfully in the UK and the concept was initiated in Antigua in 2014 when two Challenger Trimarans were shipped over from the UK by Bob Bailey, Director of Sailability at the National Sailing Academy. Antigua Sailability offers the people of Antigua and Barbuda with disabilities the opportunity for social interaction and outdoor activity by making them discover what sailing could do for them. The program has grown with approximately 80 persons registered, with four sailing solo.
Left to right: Louisa Norris, Bob Bailey and caribbean Alliance representative.
Louisa Norris, General Manager of Budget Marine Antigua, commented: ‘Budget Marine plays a significant role in the local fishing and yachting industry and applauds the efforts of Sailability Antigua and the Ministry of Social Transformation and Human Development to include citizens who are differently abled to have an active part in our community through sailing. Besides that, we have also seen the direct results of the program when Jerry Warner, staff member of Budget Marine Antigua, got introduced to the Sailability program when it just started. Jerry, who is physically challenged due to an accident as a youngster, attended the program’s weekly lessons free of charge. Within 12 weeks of starting he accomplished both his entry level and Bronze level and was continuing for his Silver level. It’s a program that works and Budget Marine is very happy and pleased to be a part of this activity and to partner with Caribbean Alliance to make donations that will go towards further development for the participants.’
Sailability recently held their annual Charity walk on Sunday 19thMarch to bring awareness to the foundation as well as collect donations for the cause. The day started with a walk and continued with fun filled activities for the kids such as karate demo, tug-of-war, face painting, clowns, bouncy castle, pan band and more. Hungry participants were able to enjoy a finger licking BBQ. Like to donate or do you have interest in the program as a participant or volunteer? Take a look at their website:www.antiguasailability.org
