Olympians talk to students at Soldiers Point Marina

by Lue Fagan on 12 Dec 2012 More than 100 guests including Cr Bruce McKenzie Mayor of Port Stephens, Real Futures Foundation (RFF) sponsors, Soldiers Point Sailing School students, parents and other guests were invited to a cocktail party at The Point Restaurant Soldiers Point Marina recently to meet Olympic Gold Medalist in the 49er Skiff Class at the London games Iain Jensen and Paralympics dual silver medalist, local girl Taylor Corry.

Iain and Taylor spoke about their 'Olympic Experience' and their lives and achievements leading up to that point.- with lots of questions asked from the guests.

The cocktail party was held to thank sponsors of the RFF and also recognize the achievements of the school students from the Soldiers Point Marina sponsored Soldiers Point Sailing School who receive sailing lessons and have completed their Basic Skills 1 Certificate.

Students from Tomaree High and St Philips Christian College as part of their weekly school sports lessons, work towards gaining their Yachting Australia accredited Basic Skills 1 Course over 10 weeks, with over 30 students achieving this certificate to date. These lessons are sponsored by Soldiers Point Sailing School at no cost to the student or the school.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of four special encouragement awards to young sailors who have completed their Basic Skills 1 Certificate and are now moving towards achieving their Basic Skills 2 Certificate.

RFF is founded on the philosophy that schools and the local community are partners in the support and development of their young people who have reached a critical crossroad in their lives, ensuring they find a productive future in either furthering their education and training, or securing suitable employment.

'Soldiers Point Marina is proud to be a major long term sponsor of the RFF and supporting our local youth' said Marina General Manager Darrell Barnett CMM. 'Our experienced and qualified sailing instructors foster and encourage confidence and a love of sailing and the water for our young people' he said. 'Sailing builds a sense of adventure, a strong mental ability, and confidence, all the skills needed for life………a perfect fit for the Real Futures ethos' said Mr. Barnett