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Torben
and the kids at the graduation of the third class in Vitoria
(November 2000)
The
team that represents the Project in sailing competitions
Torben
and Marcelo celebrating the graduation of the fifth class
in Niteroi (November 2000)
The
Project staff in
Vitória
Learning
how to cook a fish
Niteroi
and Vitoria staff and kids celebrating the
Escola Naval Regatta.
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The
Grael Project consists in a cost-free sailing program for
kids of low income families in Brazil to learn how to sail.
The idea was conceived by the Grael brothers in 1996 and the
main purpose was to divulge the sport of sailing.
The
program was first implemented in 1998. It is coordinated by
the Graels and Marcelo Ferreira with support of sponsor companies.
The implementation of the program started with the selection
of the staff that would run the program in Niteroi city. Then
the staff visited schools offering the program to the kids
and accepting registrations right away.
In parallel the boats and equipment were acquired to start
the classes.
We
opened in August 1998 with 8 classes and 96 kids. As the classes
started we realized that the majority of the kids didn't know
how to swim, and this was a prerequisite for the sailing class.
It was when we decided that a swimming class needed to be
created to allow those kids to take the sailing classes. Another
prerequisite for the course is a medical statement that confirms
the good health of the kid to take the course, as well as
having all the vaccination up to date.
In November 2000 the fifth class was "graduated".
Currently we have 12 sailing classes -150 kids attending the
classes at the the Niteroi facility. Also 50 kids are taking
the swimming classes every semester.
The
kids learn the basic about navigation rules, ecology, environment
preservation, first aid, fire fighting, fishing and cooking
onboard of a vessel.
In
the beginning of 2000 we implemented the advanced level for
those kids that have graduated from the basic level. In the
advanced class they learn the basics of sailing competition
and nautical wood crafting. The outstanding kids are invited
to join the team to participate in regattas and competitions.
By doing this, 8 kids were invited by the Icarai Yacht Club
to join as a member receiving cost-free support for competitions.
The same happened with the Vitoria Yacht Club where 12 kids
joined their sailing team. The regatta results were excellent!
Leonardo Abel Rodrigues (ICI) won the 1999 State Championship
(beginners level) and Porfirio Inacio finished second at the
2000 State Championship (beginners level).
The
program has been a success! Companies are supporting us by
offering power boats, snacks, medical services, other classes
that complement the program, etc.
Because
of the success of the program in Niteroi, it was also implemented
in Vitoria city in September of 1999. In November 2000 the
third group graduated in a total of 124 kids. Currently we
have these two facilities operating with great prospective
to be implemented in other cities of Brazil.
We
receive support of different companies. In Niteroi we are
supported by Telemar and Banerj; in Vitoria we receive support
from Banestes. The city of Vitoria and Niteroi also offer
support to the program.
Our
priority is education. We strongly believe that the practice
of sport is good for the development of kids that grow up
healthy, with great self-esteem that will help them be a better
person.
Our
objectives:
- give
low income kids the opportunity to practice a sport
- teach
the sailing basics to promote the sport
- promote
the sport to increase the number of sailors in Brazil
- promote
sport of sailing awareness to kids and teenagers
- promote
ecology awareness, the need to preservation
- open
possibilities to a new professional field
- check
point on kids' health by requiring medical release
- teach
how to swim
- offer
meals and snacks
- develop
concentration and coordination
- develop
leadership and team work
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