Izivunguvungu- South Africa's Disadvantaged Sailors need support

by Anthony Galante on 26 Aug 2010 International sailing is not always about high performance, expensive new sails and brand new boats, it is as much about participation, connection and the fraternity of sailing. This is certainly a key feature of the International Mirror Class which as commenced the countdown for its 14th World Championships which will be held in Albany, Western Australia from 26 December to 7 January 2011.

As part of the international fleet that will descend on Albany, efforts are underway to ensure the team from the Izivunguvungu Sailing School in South Africa can attend. Izivunguvungu, based in the port town of Simon's Town, nearby Cape Town, is the first school in South Africa to provide opportunities for disadvantaged children from the shanty towns. Izivunguvungu was established in 2001, by Ian Ainslie, three times Olympian, multiple world sailing champion and qualified school teacher, together with Matthew Mentz, a highly qualified Ocean Skipper and instructor. In 2009, due to the Global Financial Crisis, the major sponsor Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) ceased its funding support.

2011 Worlds Director, Anthony Galante said, 'I attended the 2009 Worlds and it was fantastic to see the support for two of the Izivunguvungu boys, Howard Leoto and Renaldo Mohale, to participate. They turned up in anticipation for a Wales summer and that's what they got – 12C on the first day and 2 metre swell. All they had were ripped up spray jackets and shorts, so the SA Team chipped in to get them into appropriate gear. There were also donations from competitors to assist with their costs and the Australian Team supported the SA team providing access to our coach boat.'

This time around, the South African Team has been unable to raise the funds to meet the costs of getting the top ranked Izivunguvungu Team of Howard and Renaldo to Albany following the withdrawal of their sponsor Mediterrean Shipping Company in 2009. There is only enough funding for another three months of operations.

Sitting fourth on the South African rankings, Howard and Renaldo may not be able to attend if a further $6,000 is not found. A further $10,000 could result in a second team being able to attend.

Galante said, 'This program is fantastic as it offers these disadvantaged children, who have few opportunities to play any kind of sport in the first place, the opportunity to learn how to sail. It is so inspiring to see these kids participate in our sport at any level given the adversity they have faced. It is full credit to the Izivunuguvungu team that sailing can be made so accessible.'

Izivunguvungu has managed to take a number of its graduates to the pinacle of sailing with Solomon Diperre and Marchello Burricks representing Team Shosholoza in the America's Cup. Izivunguvungu sailors have represented South Africa in the last three Mirror World Championships with Sieraj Jacobs and Ashwin Daniels placing third overall in 2007.

So the call is on from Australians and ex-patriot South Africans to assist with sponsorship to support this great initiative and help get Howard and Renaldo to the start line in Albany.

If you are able to assist on personal or business level, please email info(at)mirrorworlds2011.com