Attending the presentation were Alberto Maestrini, General Manager Navi Militari di Fincatieri, Pecori Giraldi, President of the “Fondazione Tender to Nave Italia”, Admiral Franco Paoli, Commander in Chief of the Dipartimento Marittimo dell'Alto Tirreno and vice President of the Foundation and Carlo Croce, President of the Yacht Club Italiano. Also present were Giovanni Soldini and Francesco De Angelis, the two most well known representatives of sailing in Italy, both of whom are closely linked with the world of solidarity.
Tender to Nave Italia is a foundation which was constituted on 10th January 2007 by the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) and the Yacht Club Italiano, and which includes SIAD S.p.A. amongst its Sponsors. Nave Italia has, furthermore, received great support from RINA (The Royal Institution of Naval Architects) which granted its navigation certificate.
Tender to Nave Italia seeks to make a concrete and significant contribution to the welfare of the weakest in society: children, adolescents, people with physical, mental or sensory handicaps, the sick and the elderly.
On board Nave Italia, the largest sailing brigantine in the world (61 metres long with a sail area measuring 1300 sq. metres and a 10 man crew), the Foundation promotes sailing and the sea as instruments for education, training and therapy. At sea, in fact, one becomes aware of ones own limits and strengths and life on-board is an ideal environment for stimulating balanced development in individuals.
Following its first year activities – in 2007 – dedicated to children at risk of exclusion from school, the Fondazione Tender to Nave Italia has widened its target area in 2008 and has decided to give priority to those suffering from mental disabilities, serious illness and to youth with police records.
The disadvantaged who need psychological support and a remotivation in life, at risk minors and those who have mental disabilities are being actively involved in life aboard Nave Italia, in sailing the ship and all the manoeuvres. Linked to the navigation training are active, educational, rehabilitating and therapeutic journeys. During 2008 activities dedicated to children with Downs syndrome and the blind will also be instigated. The activities and events organised for the disadvantaged are being developed in collaboration with some of the most important Italian associations and organisations.
For further information:
www.tendertonaveitalia.com.
