By Kiri ten Dolle and Annabelle Cottee
Children from all over the Gold Coast were drawn to Varsity Lake on Saturday 12 July for a sailing adventure hosted by Gold Coast charity SAILS.
Sailing Adventures in Life Skills (SAILS) runs alongside the Anglican Church and holds 12 sailing programs all over the South-East coast each school holiday period.
Two of these are held in Varsity Lakes.
SAILS Director Russell McClue, who was awarded Gold Coast Citizen of the Year in 2006, believes Varsity Lakes is a safe and simple environment for the boating exercise.
“We come to Varsity Lakes because there is a lot to do for our kids,” Mr McClue said.
“It is a wonderful venue and a wonderful lake.”
The school holiday program, which is held for disadvantaged or ‘at risk’ children, usually attracts 40-45 children.
Although the sailing program is only 30 per cent of the activities SAILS holds for these children, it is a clear favourite.
Mermaid Waters student Steven Saunders, 14, said kayaking was a great way to finish his holidays.
“It’s something fun, it’s interesting and we’ve never done it before so it’s cool to try something new,” he said.
Mr McClue said the sailing and kayaking program teaches the children life skills in a family-oriented environment.
“The kids start to feel like they are a part of the family which is not what they get at home,” he said. “It’s actually amazing how much they turn around.” |