New Zealand’s Youth Set To Benefit

New Zealand’s Youth Set To Benefit From Lion New Zealand Partnership

The Lion Maritime Development Charitable Trust has partnered with the Foundation for Youth Development (FYD) with the aim of providing valuable life skills through leadership training programmes on board iconic yacht, Lion New Zealand.

The yacht is currently preparing to compete in the 2009 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Upon its return Lion will begin a new chapter working to empower New Zealand’s youth.

The new partnership will enable school and community groups of up to 16 to crew on Lion New Zealand. Taking place over 2-6 days, the programmes have been designed to build self confidence and promote team work. Participants will be encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and push physical boundaries as they get on the grinders to hoist and trim the yacht’s sails and take a turn at the helm.

William Goodfellow of the Lion Maritime Development Charitable Trust said, “We’re really excited about the new partnership and the programmes we have designed with the Foundation for Youth Development as we feel the experience on board Lion will be a life changing one. Yachting provides a great arena for harnessing team spirit, building individual confidence and developing leadership skills.”

FYD helps over 18,000 young people each year from age 5 to 18, giving them the opportunity to learn valuable life skills and build self confidence through unique, proven development programmes. FYD programmes include Kiwi Can, Stars, Project K and youth offender programmes.

FYD co-founder, Graeme Dingle agrees, “It’s great to have joined forces with Lion Maritime Development Charitable Trust, uniting our objectives and motivating youth to realise their potential.”

The Trust is also investigating a potential nationwide tour, sailing Lion New Zealand around the country and docking at ports to give youth from other regions the opportunity to be part of an invaluable experience.

For more information regarding the programmes please visit www.lionnewzealand.com/youth_training.html or www.fyd.org.nz or email info@lionnewzealand.com

ENDS

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