Olympian Inspires Endeavour’s Youth Sailors
Endeavour Community Sailing, a registered charity and non-profit dedicated to engaging Bermuda’s youth in experiential learning welcomed a Bermudian Olympian sailor for an inspirational chat and sail with young people engaging in Endeavour’s programmes.
A total of 20 students from nine schools enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime to sail with Bermudian Olympian Ceci Wollman, who made history when she became the youngest Bermudian to qualify and compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Endeavour Programme Coordinator Renee Greenslade commented, “Our Endeavour Graduates were inspired to meet Ceci and learn more about her incredible achievements. It was heartening to hear her talk about the dedication and training that it takes to represent Bermuda at the highest of levels such as the Olympics, Pan Am Games and Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, and how she balances her rigorous academic requirements with sail training.”
The Endeavour Graduate Programme offers an opportunity for students who have participated in the Endeavour Middle School Programme to continue developing their skills and advance their sailing knowledge and techniques at one of Endeavour’s Forts in St. George’s and Dockyard. The Endeavour Graduate Programme brings together diverse youth from across Bermuda in a way that allows young people to meet and interact with others from different backgrounds than their own. The programme is uniquely designed to ensure female and male students from different public and private schools across the Island have the opportunity to meet each other and have fun while learning to sail.
Ms. Greenslade added, “It was an amazing opportunity for our Endeavour Graduates, many of whom were first exposed to sailing through the Endeavour Middle School Programme, to not only meet Ceci but also have the chance to go sailing. It’s not every day that you get to sail with an Olympian sailor!”
Endeavour Graduate and Clearwater Middle School M2 student Diamond commented, “It was really exciting to meet Ceci and I enjoyed sailing the double-handed RS Feva with her. It was interesting to learn about her experiences and she shared some of her favourite memories on the water like when she was part of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Team BDA.”
Ceci Wollman stated, “I was on Island finishing an internship with PwC before returning to university and I was keen to visit Endeavour and talk with their sailors. It was a lot of fun to meet the Endeavour sailors and get a chance to go out on the water with them. I look forward to seeing them again in the future!”
Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s Community Engagement, Development & Partnerships Manager said, “We appreciate Ceci’s support of Endeavour and her time dedicated to share some of her incredible achievements with our sailors. She is an exceptionally positive role model for Bermuda’s young people and our Endeavour sailors were elated to have the opportunity to sail with her. Ceci first met some of our Endeavour Grads last summer during a fun day of sailing with PwC Bermuda team members when she interned with PwC Bermuda, one of Endeavour’s amazing supporters. We extend our best wishes for her continued success.”
Ms. Pitcher added, “We appreciate Endeavour’s valued donors and supporters who share our vision for an
inspired, confident and engaged Bermuda youth with an appreciation for our waters and contagious excitement for learning and their future. We’re deeply grateful for PwC, BF&M and lead founding partner Orbis for their generosity and unwavering support of Endeavour that enables us to create a positive change in our community.”
Visit www.endeavour.bm to learn more about Endeavour.
