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
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