Giant Steps Sydney, Autism Sailing Regatta

by Anna Trayner on 24 Oct 2008 Companies and yacht owners are invited to compete in this year’s Giant Steps Sydney, Autism Sailing Regatta to be held at Middle Harbour Yacht Club on Friday, 31st October 2008.

Last year more than 20 yachts competed in this annual event which raised in excess of $70,000 for children with autism; a condition now affecting more children than diabetes, cancer and aids put together.

The organisers of the event, two parents of children with autism, say that in spite of the current economic climate, they are keen to exceed the amount raised in 2007 and are calling on corporate Australia to get behind the cause and participate in this exceptional event.

Since its inception in 2005, the event has attracted support from a wide and varied cross section of corporate Australia. This year they welcome back Macquarie Group Limited as the principal event sponsor, and they are joined by the likes of Caliburn, Credit Suisse, ABN Amro, Trust, Abigroup, VSL Australia, Mainland Civil Engineering, Evens & Peck, Haggie Reid and Brown Wright Stein Lawyers to name a few.

The day is a fabulous opportunity to team build, entertain and network on Sydney Harbour, while helping children with autism. Set sail at midday, enjoy a picnic lunch aboard one of our skippered yachts and compete in a social yacht race on the harbour. After the race, be rewarded for you efforts with a fabulous complimentary massage from The Feelgood Company, a gourmet bbq, drinks, auction, presentation and celebration on the foreshore of Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

All money raised on the day goes directly to helping the children with autism reach their potential. No prior sailing experience is required - yachts come with skipper and necessary crew.

For those who are unable to participate in this years regatta, there are a number of ways that you can still help. We welcome prizes for the raffle and silent auction and also would be delighted with tax deductible donations.

It really is a fabulous day and an event not to be missed.

For more information on how to get involved contact Anna Trayner on 0423 673 279 or Ingrid Michalowsky on 0414 499 627.

WHAT IS GIANT STEPS?
Giant Steps Sydney is a unique educational and therapeutic centre that helps children with autism reach their full potential. It offers pre-school, infants, primary and secondary programmes with teachers working along side occupational, speech and music therapists creating a brighter future for the children and their families. Autism is a lifelong disability affecting the way a person communicates and relates to other people and the world around them. There has been an alarming increase in the incidence recently indicating 1 in 160 Australian children aged between 6 and 12 have autism (Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2007). There is little knowledge about what causes Autism. There is no prenatal testing and no cure. Early intervention and intensive, specialised education programmes like those offered at Giant Steps provide the best long-term outcomes for children with Autism. www.giantsteps.net.au