Media release

More Nelson youth to enjoy the water thanks to The Lion Foundation

More Nelson youth will enjoy sailing thanks to the Nelson Bays Youth Teams Racing Association and a much needed financial boost from The Lion Foundation.

A recent grant from The Lion Foundation has assisted the organisation with the purchase of a 420 class yacht, complete with spas, rigging, foils, cover and beach trailer.  The 420 class boat is the junior boat to the Olympic 470 Class and has been identified by Yachting New Zealand as the preferred youth class.

David Hogg, Nelson Bays Youth Teams Racing Association says the boat and equipment will enable more young people to get out on the water.

“The number of young people interested in our sailing programme has grown dramatically and a new yacht allows us to help cater for this growth.

“Thanks to the generosity of The Lion Foundation, we are able to provide an additional boat and all the necessary gear.  With several local schools already enrolled in our programme and numbers growing, we are thrilled to have this extra equipment available, particularly as many of our young people may not otherwise have the opportunity to sail.”

Operating for over 20 years and one of the country’s most widely respected charitable trusts, The Lion Foundation is proud to encourage the enjoyment and skill of various sporting activities by distributing back to the local community the funds raised through its gaming venue The Royal Hotel.

“Kiwis love sport and Nelson Bays Youth Teams Racing Association is committed to offering a programme and opportunities to help young people enjoy sailing and further develop their talents.”

Mr Holden adds: “The Lion Foundation is proud to support this organisation and we acknowledge the increasing participation in the sport and the impressive results of many of the young people involved.”

The Lion Foundation funds a wide range of arts, cultural, sporting, educational and health focused causes.  This approach has been in place for many years and is designed to ensure the charitable trust’s support reaches as many New Zealand communities as possible.

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