The Queen City Yacht Club's Equity and Diversity Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to junior sailing candidates who may face financial or other barriers that prevent them from accessing sailing opportunities. This fund plays a key role in ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have the chance to participate in and benefit from the sport of sailing. It complements the club’s broader commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and fostering diversity within the sailing community.
Each year, the fund supplements the donation of several two-week sailing sessions, expanding access to our Junior Sailing School programs and other water sports initiatives. This support helps introduce young people to the sport, allowing them to grow and develop essential skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. The program runs across various levels, from Wet Feet to CANSail levels 1 through 6 and including watersports, ensuring there are opportunities for participants at every stage of their journey.
Candidates are selected through collaborations with community partners, including the Broadreach Foundation, Scouts, and local community center outreach programs. These partnerships are crucial in identifying young people who would benefit from these opportunities but might not have the means to participate without financial support. The fund also allows candidates to engage in other water sports programs, fostering a diverse experience for youth interested in aquatic activities.
Sailing is more than just a sport; it teaches valuable lifelong skills, such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, and confidence. The Equity and Diversity Fund opens doors for young people to not only participate in sailing but also to develop skills that will serve them in all aspects of their lives. By broadening access to water sports, the fund helps young individuals discover new passions, build connections, and explore potential career opportunities within the water sports industry.
The Queen City Yacht Club is proud to offer this fund and remain committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, ensuring that sailing is accessible to the next generation of sailors, regardless of their background or financial situation.