Intense sports training during the week
The Ocean Peak association, which supports young people aged 14 to 18 from the Aide Sociale à l'Enfance and Protection Juridique de la Jeunesse services, has organized its first solidarity rally on May 13, 2023. But for the young people supported by the association, preparation began well before the date. The three young participants, who had already taken part in breakaway stays at sea with the association, were able to take advantage of a week aboard the J80 to prepare for the event.
During this week of preparation, the youngsters were able to gain skills in maneuvering and rallying on J80s, 8-meter rafts particularly well-suited to regattas. It was also during this week that they were able to enjoy physical preparation combining several sports: sailing, boxing and cycling. The week was also an opportunity for them to develop a sense of team spirit in a race, and to work together towards a common goal. A second crew of young people from the association also competed on another J80, against two other corporate crews, all supervised by a number of volunteers from the association.
Partners on hand to support the association
The event was made possible thanks to the participation of a number of companies, which enabled the association to hire the boats, organize the event and finance the week's preparation of the youngsters ahead of the Rally. This first for the association, sponsored by Tribord and Sellsy, was an opportunity for companies to combine team-building with a gesture of solidarity.
The rally is conceived as a moment where, far from putting the rankings first, the youngsters, like the corporate crews, can confront stressful and sometimes frustrating situations, as well as moments of pleasure, self-confidence and self-transcendence.
An event to be repeated and expanded
In view of the event's success, the association plans to repeat the experience next year, and to grow the event by attracting more companies to sponsor and compete in the Rally. Ocean Peak's aim is to offer more young people the chance to take part in this experience, as well as in the breakaway programs, and to provide support for the young people who take part outside these events.
