Investec and Le Tournoi Launch Exciting New Sailing Bursary

Islanders with a passion for sailing could be awarded a bursary thanks to Investec Bank (Channel Islands) Limited and Le Tournoi Charity Sports.

In conjunction with Le Tournoi, a local charity, which aims to help disadvantaged youngsters through annual corporate-sponsored sporting events, the bank is offering £500 to this year’s recipient.

Investec Bank (Channel Islands) Limited has committed to funding the bursary for three consecutive years.

‘The bursary is open to any member of the Jersey community with a passion for sailing, but the aim is to help applicants who are disadvantaged in some way, be it financially or due to a disability,’ said Le Tournoi chairman Andy Le Seelleur.

‘While there are a number of opportunities for sailing in our community, these do not abound for disabled youngsters in particular, and are generally confined to only a few options. We want to offer a wider range of opportunities through our network and make it a special occasion for the deserving winner. We are extremely grateful to Investec Bank (Channel Islands) Limited as the bursary could not be offered without its financial support.’

The bursary will be open to youngsters in Jersey this year, but may be open to those in the Bailiwick of Guernsey also, in the future.

Le Tournoi patron Geoff Holt MBE and 2010 Yachtsman of the Year said he has witnessed first hand the sense of freedom and enjoyment that sailing can provide. ‘Before I became disabled, sailing provided me with my livelihood. Once disabled, it became my saviour. Sailing provides the most level of all playing fields where individuals, regardless of ability, can sail together, as friends or as competitors. That is incredibly empowering for a disabled person and for that reason, I am incredibly proud to be a patron of Le Tournoi,’ said Mr Holt.       
 

Anyone who is interested in applying for the bursary can download an application form at www.letournoi.org. All applications will be reviewed and the bursary given on the basis of an individual’s financial constraints, social disabilities or disadvantages and his or her ambition to further their sailing experience.

Apply now....

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM

Anyone interested in applying for the Bursary Award must complete and return the form above by no later than MONDAY 12th DECEMBER 2011. Judging will take place and shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an awards presentation on Friday 15th December. More details of this evening will follow shortly.