Revive Portland Star Challenge - Nine young locals get a chance

by Kate Holmes on 25 May 2010 The Revive Portland Project will be working together with the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) and Royal Manor Arts College on an exciting new venture for 2010. On 30th May, nine local young people will embark on a weeklong sailing expedition, aptly named the ‘Revive Portland Star Challenge.’ Revive Portland is a legacy project, run by the community for the community, aimed at maximising on the opportunities presented by Weymouth and Portland hosting the 2012 sailing events.

This project has been made possible by the co-operation of The Morning Star Trust, a registered charity with the primary objective of providing personal development to young people through the adventurous experience of sailing at sea on the 62ft, traditionally rigged sailing vessel, ‘Morning Star of Revelation.’ The ship will be moored at the WPNSA and there will be a launch party for family and friends. The nine student crew members from the Royal Manor School in Portland will be accompanied by two members of the Revive Portland delivery group, one of whom is their teacher, and three experienced sailors. Whilst on board the children will learn new skills from trimming sails to cooking the meals, if successful they will obtain their RYA ‘competent crew’ qualification.

To date the Revive Project has delivered a number of events and activities, including a community celebration at Halloween to mark 1000 days until the start of the Games; a 50p Summer Youth Programme at Osprey Leisure Centre and the formation of a street dance team. In October 2009 Revive was awarded the much coveted 2012 ‘Inspire Mark’ which is a national recognition, only awarded to outstanding projects that are genuinely inspired by 2012.

Portland in Dorset was the first venue outside London to be involved in the ‘London 2012 Changing Places’ programme. Changing Places is a national initiative that encourages communities to unite to transform their local area, improving the negative parts and celebrating the good. Focusing on areas surrounding Olympic venues, Changing Places brings together a range of people who will use the power of the Games to create cleaner, safer and healthier neighbourhoods.

John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, commented, 'With Revive Portland being the first project set up outside London, and the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy becoming the first London venue to be fully completed, this now allows us the time to give something back to the community. Revive Portland have already done some outstanding work in the local area and this latest project will see the local children getting an amazing experience.'

Nikki Billington of Revive Portland added: 'We are extremely grateful to the Morning Star Trust, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, the Whirlwind Trust and Royal Manor School for working with us to make this fantastic opportunity happen. Sailing is just a small part of the overall experience and hopefully the young people involved will also gain valuable life-skills to benefit them for a long time afterwards. The Revive Portland Star Challenge is, without a doubt, our most exciting project to date.'