Red Sail Sports reminds local companies that they can help the organization raise funds while rewarding their employees at the same time with a catamaran trip or sail.
The Special Olympics Cayman Islands is taking its largest delegation ever to the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, CA this July – 54 athletes, 5 head coaches, 10 assistant coaches and 2 heads of delegation. With the exception of Jamaica and Trinidad, Cayman will have the highest athlete participation in the Caribbean. Organizers say the SOCI would be unable to manage the cost of this undertaking without the support of local corporate sponsors.
“We have had tremendous corporate support to make this happen,” said Nick Freeland, chairman of the SOCI Board. “It’s unprecedented for us to send a delegation this large to the games.”
Red Sail Sports is reminding local businesses that they can help the Special Olympics raise money and treat their employees to a sunset sail or snorkel trip by booking one of their luxurious 65-foot catamarans. Through a sponsorship programme with the Red Sail Group – local affiliated companies – the SOCI has free access to a Red Sail Sports catamaran each month to raise money. A charter can bring in up to $2000 for the organization.
“Catamaran trips are popular for company outings and parties because it’s fun; people enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at sea,” says Red Sail Sports Operations Manager Rod McDowall, “We’re seeing more and more bookings from local businesses, so why not? Treat your employees to a great outing and help a wonderful cause.”
Nick Freeland says Cayman’s athletes will compete against teams that are probably much better than they are at the World Games, but it’s not about the competition.
“The Games normally attract only the elite athletes and this trip will be a tremendous experience for our athletes,” said Freeland. “They will be meeting others from all over the world and we want as many of our athletes as possible to have this experience because it builds self-esteem and self-confidence.”
Freeland says the importance of what corporate sponsors, donors and volunteers have done to help the SOCI make this trip possible cannot be understated.
“This is a great achievement for us and we recognize that we couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers and financial supporters,” he said.
Red Sail Sports sales staff is actively promoting the catamaran programme to Cayman’s business community and raising awareness of the opportunity to contribute to the Special Olympics. McDowall says the goal of the Red Sail Group is to help SOCI fully realize the fundraising potential of this sponsorship arrangement.
Companies interested in chartering a Red Sails Sports catamaran, or finding out more about the program, are asked to contact Michael Lawday in the company Group Sales Department by email at [email protected] or call +1 (345) 623 5965.
