The Brockville Yacht Club’s youth sailing program is grateful for the support of Sail Canada’s “Sailing for All” grant, funded through the Government of Canada Community Sport for All Initiative. The fund, combined with member donations, has supported young sailors with financial barriers to participate in the sport of sailing. It has also given the club the staffing flexibility to allow for more individualized staffing for an “inclusion champion” coach.
Upon registration, parents identify learning challenges and or barriers that their young sailors may have, and the inclusion coach works with the team to ensure success. For example, developing a predictable schedule and crew list for a sailor with autism, translating instructions for a new Canadian, or providing a safe, quiet time and place for an anxious sailor.
Community partners, Champions for Kids Foundation, Canadian Aid for Chernobyl, Children and Family Services, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, also recommend sailors that would benefit from sailing knowing that they will be in a supportive program.
One of the youth sailors that celebrated success with the club came from a specialized classroom supporting youth mental health. That sailor thrived with the help of the inclusion coach and the supportive stance of all the coaches. “This has been an amazing confidence boost for my grandson. Challenging himself physically and socially while feeling supported and safe has made his summer wonderful!”
