How NOT to cross the Algarve!

On the 21st of September, three paddleboarders attempted a daring 160km crossing of the Algarve from Sagres to Vila Real Santo António to raise money for charity.

Tom Longhurst from Algarve Marquees, Chris Grebby, a commercial pilot from Vilamoura and Nick Robinson, a digital marketer from São Brás de Alportel, took part to help João Silva. Now 46-years-old, he was born in Bombarral and at the age of 23, suffered a rare disease called moya-moya, which caused him a permanent disability.

Six years ago he joined Vela Solidária - a project that belongs to Teia D'Impulsos - where he started to practice adapted sailing. Since then he has been training weekly and taking part in national and international competitions. "Over the years, sailing has helped me to grow as a person and to recover my self-esteem and selfconfidence, significantly helping me to overcome the difficulties inherent to my limitations", says João.

For him to continue in this evolutionary process, he needs to acquire a Hansa 303 adapted sailing boat, which is safe and adapted to people with physical and cognitive limitations, contributing to their rehabilitation and social integration. “I would like to stress the importance and impact that the acquisition of this boat will have on my life and the enormous contribution it will make to my evolution as a capable and autonomous human being,” explains João.

The boat costs 10,000€, and João is 3,000€ short - this is where TransAlgarve comes in. At the time of going to print we don't know whether they will have completed their voyage successfully but if you haven't already, please donate to help João achieve his dreams.

João

João

Vela Solidária is a social project that uses sailing as a tool to help young people. It facilitates socialisation, tolerance, self-esteem and communication, assisting the participants to achieve their full potential. It is also an excellent tool for valuing the quality of life of people with disabilities, in addition to increasing mobility and autonomy, as well as playing a relevant role in cognitive stimulation.

+INFO:

www.teiadimpulsos.pt/projectos/desportivo/vela-solidaria/

Donate at www.bit.ly/transalgarvesup