SOLDIER ON
SUPPORT FOR EX-SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN
In early August last year, the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club formed a partnership with Australia’ s Soldier On organisation which provides support to our ex-service men and women to help reintegrate them back into society and on a road to recovery from the mental and physical wounds received during their service.
Soldier On’ s initiatives can only be achieved with the help from other clubs, individuals and community groups who provide support to the organisation. The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, along with their initiative, Integrated disAbled Sailing found this a perfect opportunity to give back to those in need through sailing.
Nathan Vardanega, Reintegration Officer for NSW from Solider On is very pleased about the RPAYC taking Soldier On as part of their Integrated disAbled Sailing Program.
“ The RPAYC has offered a great opportunity for our ex-servicemen and women to engage with the Club and the community. Tom Spithill( Club Coach) and Bob Bennett( Club Member) have been extremely helpful in getting participants out on the water with some very positive results.” Said Nathan Vardanega.
Working closely with Tom Spithill and Bob Bennett, the two have helped Soldier On get the most of their sailing experiences. Tom Spithill is extremely delighted to be part of this program with Soldier On and couldn’ t be more impressed with the way they have picked up sailing so quickly.
“ These guys love the water and a challenge, we’ ve been out in some strong stuff and they just take it all on! I feel very privileged to make their lives a little better through sailing.” Said Tom Spithill
The Club has opened up great opportunities to further their new love of sailing with a number of participants moving on to do keelboat courses to develop their skills and to get out sailing on a regular basis.
Moving forward, the success from these previous months has the program looking to the future. Nathan Vardenega sees a great future and relationship with the RPAYC to expand in helping more participants engage with the Club, its members and also the community.
“ We are seeing participants wanting to improve their sailing skills, the RPAYC are already doing a great job and I’ m looking forward to the future and what opportunities it will bring.”
To see the great work Solider On do visit www. soldieron. org. au To get involved with is great initiative email sailing @ rpayc. com. au
RPAYC ACTIVITIES
YACHTSMAN 67