| MILAN, ITALY-(19-12-2006) 470 Internationale announces the continuation of its Sailors’ Support Programmes with the “2008 Olympic Pathway Solidarity Grant”. The new Programme aims at the support of talented 470 sailors with sailing ambitions and abilities on Olympic levels who find financial or infrastructural obstacles on their way to Olympic Qualification.
The Programme will apply to the 470 World Championships 2007 in Cascais (Portugal) and 2008 in Melbourne (Australia) and aims at sailors, which have not participated in the 470 World Championships neither in 2005, nor in 2006.
As a first step in this Programme, six boats from licensed builder Nautivela will be made available for participation at the 470 World Championships 2007 on payment of the “symbolic” fees of Euro 250,00 (inclusive of all taxes), which covers the charter and transportation (of the boats) fee. This may give targeted sailors a chance to compete at the highest level of sailing with best available equipment to qualify their country for the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008.
Coordinator of the Programme is Marta WEORES, First Vice President of 470 Internationale and former 470 Class Olympic sailor representing Hungary. “Our Sailors’ Support Programmes have been that successful that we have decided to continue with a new edition. The last two years we have supported the development of youth talents with Olympic dreams where money has been an issue. The coming two years we want to support such teams and their National Sailing Authorities to qualify for the Olympics.” WEORES said.
The launch of the Programme is the first act of the new Management Committee of 470 Internationale, chaired by Alberto PREDIERI and initiator of the present Programme. “As governing body of an International class with Olympic status, it is not only our duty to fulfill the administrative tasks going with the class, but also to contribute to the thought of Olympism. We believe that young sailing athletes with great enthusiasm for the sport, who have less resources available for whatsoever reasons, deserve at least a chance now that the qualification process for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games has begun. “ said PREDIERI.
470 Internationale started its Sailors’ Support Programmes in 2005. Since then, following Programmes have been delivered:
- the Solidarity Programme
- Andre Cornu Grant
- Juniors (Male and Female) Support Programme
and the 2008 Olympic Pathway Solidarity Grant is just the last arrived.
Further information can be found on http://www.470.org
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