When we decided to order our wristbands to do some promotional work for Tona, we thought it would be a good idea to do something positive for our community instead of just selling or giving away the bands. We had a few charities in mind, but had not decided on one until I bumped into a friend of mine who told me about the National Sailing Academy. He told me to go to and see Elizabeth Jordan personally and find out more about the Academy. After meeting with Elizabeth I felt like this was the right organization to go with. The idea of teaching Antiguan kids how to swim and sail was something that resonates well with the Tona lifestyle and our purpose. Below is a little more information about the Academy and their goals. For more detailed information please visit their website: www.nationalsailingacademy.org
“The Sailing Academy was formed two years ago and is providing free sailing lessons to 150 children a week through a schools programme. The Academy is also funding swimming lessons for 200 children – an essential skill for would-be sailors. We hope to expand our activities during 2012 by having Academy ‘satellites’ on the west coast at Jolly Harbour and the east coast at Parham Harbour.
Although we are endorsed by Government, all funding is from private donations, mostly from the yachting community. We are the only sport in Antigua that can, potentially, offer many young Antiguans future employment – we have a vibrant, and growing, yachting industry and the way into it is by learning to sail”
Elizabeth Jordan
Tona Wristbands can be purchased at Turtle’s Surf Shop in the Yacht Club Marina or at Kitesurf Antigua on Jabberwock beach. The cost is $5 EC.
If you live outside of Antigua but would still like to support the Sailing Academy you can place orders directly from our online store http://www.tonaboards.com/store/
Thanks for your support! 