The Little Optimist Sailing Academy, based in the Waterfront’s Canal District, is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering special-needs children and at-risk youth through sailing, recently participated in the 2025 FICS (Finance in Common Summit) Conference, where it received recognition for the impactful work they’ve been doing in sports development.
They were also visited by the International Olympic Committee, who spent the day at the Academy with children from Astra Special School – kids who, due to disabilities, might not have the opportunity to sail. In recognition of their impact, the Academy has been named a 2025 Laureate by the committee, an honour awarded to individuals or organisations for their significant contributions to culture, development, and education through sports. Along with this recognition, the Academy also received a grant, allowing them to expand with two additional academies in South Africa.
The Academy was also visited by the French Ambassador for Sports, Samuel Ducroquet, and Corentin Ducroquet from the French Embassy, who spent time learning about the program and meeting the Little Optimist sailors.
Article by V&A Waterfront Capetown:
www.waterfront.co.za
