Little Optimist Trust set to hold sixth annual boat sailing competition

Little Optimist Trust set to hold sixth annual boat sailing competition
Written by: Jan-Hendrik De Villiers

Cape Town non-profit organization (NPO), The Little Optimist Trust, is set to hold its sixth annual boat sailing competition to raise funds for its various development projects. The event will take place at the Boatica exhibition at the V&A Waterfront from 25 to 27 October.

The Little Optimist Trust’s projects include sailing therapy days and renovation efforts at under-resourced children’s homes, schools, and hospitals.

This annual fundraising campaign has also gained international attention, inviting participants from across the world to South Africa to take up its new challenge. In a twist to the traditional format, the charity has expanded its mission with the launch of The Great Optimist Challenge.

The charity now invites anyone to take on a charity challenge of their choice between 15 October and 31 December. Participants can raise money for The Little Optimist Trust or any other charity they support, with prizes worth R50,000 on offer.

All child and adult visitors to the event can participate for free in boat racing with no sailing experience required, or they can take part in stand-up paddleboard (SUP) time trials at The Little Optimist stand. A small donation and a 15-minute time trial challenge will secure an entry for lucky draw prizes.

‘We are inviting people to come to Boatica and take on a challenge by sitting in a boat, sailing, learning to sail, paddling a SUP, or just doing something funny and making a donation,’ said Greg Bertish, The Little Optimist founder.

‘All will be entered into The Great Optimist Challenge, standing a chance to win one of many prizes in our lucky draw worth R50,000,’ Bertish added.