Preparation of Team SA kicked off!

Today Team SA 2008 met for the first preparation session – how inspiring and heart warming it was to see the pride and honour of all team members for being chosen this year!

Purpose of the meeting was to clarify the process from here, to agree on time frames for the preparation training and to hook trainees up with Facebook, where they will have a chance to meet other trainees sailing on the Christian Radich.

The preparation training – facilitated by Cape Windjammers - includes a team building process, training in computer and internet skills, log book and web log writing, presentation skills as well as photography and film making. As part of the process the team will also visit each others homes to get a deeper understanding of each others backgrounds. Special focus is also given to reflect on recent violent attacks on foreigners in South Africa, which have a very negative impact on the image of South Africa overseas. During the Tall Ships’ Race Team SA will work together with many youths from many different countries and they will have the chance to paint a different picture of the current situation in South Africa.

Says team member Claire Bouah: “I am proud of all of us for making it this far – and I hope and pray that it will have a positive influence on situations in South Africa – politically, racially, spiritually and economically. I feel we have already won – by crossing borders and breaking barriers!”

Team members also still have to pull their weight in assisting SASLA in raising additional funds to pay for flights and team wear. Right now, the funds raised so far pay for 3 team members only. Thank you to all of you who have supported us with your donations – you will hear from us soon to recognize your kind and generous contributions. However, some major work to raise the missing funds still needs to be done. Can you help?? Contact Antje Nahnsen antje@capewindjammers.org or Patrick Fraser pfraser@iafrica.com