The Solidarity Sailing project utilizes sailing as a tool to enhance socialization, tolerance, self-esteem, and communication among its beneficiaries. It aims to help individuals, especially young people, set realistic life goals and improve their quality of life. Additionally, it plays a significant role in enhancing mobility, autonomy, and cognitive stimulation for people with disabilities.
The project's mission is to develop personal and social skills for at-risk children, young people, and individuals with disabilities, while promoting sailing, nautical culture, and the preservation of the aquatic environment. The vision is to make Portugal a country with a strong sailing culture and a more egalitarian society, where the sea and sailing contribute to active involvement and preservation of our greatest natural asset.
THE FOUNDER
The founder, LuÃs Brito, holds a degree in Physical Education and has been a sailing coach since 1997. He was a national team sailor between 2001 and 2004, participating in various national and international sailing championships. Recognizing the potential of the Solidarity Sailing Project to positively impact the lives of disadvantaged children, young people, and individuals with disabilities, he became its driving force.
Since 2012 Luis Brito have been a sailing coach with a high impact. Recently we trained and coached the Portuguese duo Guilherme Ribeiro and Pedro Câncio Reis, who secured third place in the Adapted Sailing World Championship. The race took place in Oman and featured 26 boats from 15 different countries.
SOLIDARITY SAILING HISTORY
The history of Solidarity Sailing began with the initiative to provide regular sailing opportunities for young girls from Casa da Nossa Senhora de Portimão in 2010. Despite initial challenges, the project successfully conducted its first activity on February 27, 2011, with the support of individuals, companies, and public entities.
In 2012, Solidarity Sailing launched an adapted sailing school to empower people with disabilities to develop their skills and knowledge in the nautical world, resulting in remarkable achievements in national and international regattas. Today, Solidarity Sailing is promoted by the Teia D'Impulsos Association in partnership with the Iate Clube da Marina de Portimão. The project aims to develop personal and social skills for at-risk children, young people, and individuals with disabilities through the practice of sailing.
FAMS GRANT APLICATION
Thanks to the FAM Grant, Solidarity Sailing will be able to conduct over 50 therapeutic intervention actions during 2023 using sailing for children with cerebral palsy and other high difficult conditions. The project will collaborate with several schools, including Nuno Mergulhão - Coca Maravilha School, AE Júdice Fialho, AE Poet António Aleixo, D. Martin School, People's House of São Bartolomeu de Messines, and AE from Aljezur.
FAM Foundation is committed with the sustainable development goals, Vela Solidária - Solidarity Sailing impact the following SGD's.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.