Red Sail Sports reminds local companies that they can help the organization raise funds while rewarding their employees at the same time with a catamaran trip or sail

The Special Olympics Cayman Islands is taking its largest delegation ever to the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, CA this July – 54 athletes, 5 coaches and 10 assistant coaches. With the exception of Jamaica and Trinidad, Cayman will have the highest athlete participation from the Caribbean. Organizers say the SOCI would be unable to manage the cost of this undertaking without the support of local corporate sponsors.

“We have had tremendous corporate support to make this happen,” said Nick Freeland, chairman of the SOCI Board. “It’s unprecedented for us to send a delegation this large to the games.”

Red Sail Sports is reminding local businesses that they can help the Special Olympics raise money and treat their employees to a sunset sail or snorkel trip by booking one of their luxurious 65-foot catamarans. Through a sponsorship programme with the Red Sail Group – local affiliated companies – the SOCI has free access to a Red Sail Sports catamaran each month to raise money. A charter can bring in up to $2000 for the organization.

“Catamaran trips are popular for company outings and parties because its fun; people enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at sea,” says Red Sail Sports Operations Manager Rod McDowall, “We’re seeing more and more bookings from local businesses, so why not? Treat your employees to a great outing and help a wonderful cause.”

Nick Freeland says Cayman’s athletes will compete against teams that are probably much better than they are at the World Games, but it’s not about the competition.

“The Games normally attract only the elite athletes and this trip will be a tremendous experience for our athletes,” said Freeland. “They will be meeting others from all over the world and we want as many of our athletes as possible to have this experience because it builds self-esteem and self confidence.”

Freeland says the importance of what corporate sponsors, donors and volunteers have done to help the SOCI make this trip possible cannot be understated.

“This is a great achievement for us and we recognize that we couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers and financial supporters,” he said.

Red Sail Sports sales staff is actively promoting the catamaran programme to Cayman’s business community and raising awareness of the opportunity to contribute to the Special Olympics. McDowall says the goal of the Red Sail Group is to help the SOCI fully realize the fundraising potential from this sponsorship arrangement.

Companies interested in chartering a Red Sails Sports catamaran, or finding out more about the program, are asked to contact Michael Lawday in the company Group Sales Department by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 345.623.5965.

About the Red Sail Group
The Red Sail Group is comprised of affiliated companies in the tourism and business sectors, with a shared commitment to the community. These companies include Red Sail Sports, the Rum Point Club, Caymed Plus, CCP Insurance, Tortuga Divers, La Mer Spa and the Shops of Red Sail Sports. For more information on the Red Sail Group call 345.623.5965, e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.redsailcayman.com.

For more information on the Special Olympics of the Cayman Islands call (345) 946-7624 or e-mail [email protected].

About Red Sail Sports
Red Sail Sports, a member of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association is a leading resort based dive and watersports operator. Since 1987 it has been setting the standard on Grand Cayman by providing the highest level of guest services. On Seven Mile Beach Red Sail Sports operates locations at the Westin Resort, the Marriott Resort, the Grand Cayman Beach Suites and the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman. At remote East End the company has a watersports shop at Morritt’s Tortuga Club, also offering dive and catamaran services to The Reef Resort. On North Side Red Sail Sports offers watersports activities at the Rum Point Club. The company offers several dive packages through its affiliation with island hoteliers.

IMAGES:
SOCI 1 Special Olympics Cayman Islands athletes at the recent Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge. Photo courtesy SOCI
SOCI 2 The SOCI’s Championship Basketball Team getting ready for the World Games in Los Angeles, CA. Photo courtesy SOCI
SOCI 3 The SOCI swimmers with Coach Andy. Photo courtesy SOCI
SOCI 4 SOCI Athletes and Coach Penny McDowall are excited about going to the World Games in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy SOCI
SOCI 5 Red Sail Sports luxury Catamarans offer stunning sunsets and a relaxed atmosphere. The SOCI offers one charter a month and all proceeds go to the organization. Photo courtesy Red Sail Sports
SOCI 6 Red Sail Sports Catamarans can also be chartered for daytime trips to the Sandbar or Stingray City. All proceeds from the monthly SOCI charter go to the Organization. Photo courtesy Red Sail Sports.
SOCI 7 The organizing committee is working hard to make sure the trip to the World Games is a success for all. Photo courtesy SOCI
SOCI 8 The day of the announcement that SCOI would attend the World Games; (L-R) Nick Freeland, SCOI Chairman; Head of the Delegation Antoinette Johnson; Athlete Andrew Smiley; Board member Maxine Everson; and Sports Minister the Hon. Osbourne Bodden. Photo courtesy SOCI