8 September 2008
Tunis — On the beaches of Nabeul, Mahdia, Kelibia Bizerta, Sidi Bou Said , Khereddine and the Tunis Lake shores, a number of young people are being invited to practise sailing, a sport, that for too long, has remained the reserve of a select category of people.
This initiative dubbed "Opti'challenge 2008", which will be pursued till September 14, 2008, aims at promoting sailing in Tunisia, by addressing a young population aged 8 to 15.
"Opti'challenge 2008", is an event that is organized by the Tunisian Sailing Federation (FTV), with the contribution of the Group of Tunisian Insurances (GAT). So far the initiative has met with real enthusiasm among the many participants.
"Each time we have attracted more than 50 youths , who will soon register with sailing clubs. The result so far, has been extremely encouraging and we are planning to schedule this kind of event during the next 5 years ", said a member of the Tunisian sailing federation.
Officials and parents alike are confident that this kind of event is likely to enable the identification of young talents, which will hopefully raise the level of the Tunisian sailing teams in various regional and international competitions.
The event consists of three races on board 'optimists' (small initiation boats). In the sidelines, several workshops are also held in order to familiarize young people with sailing sports. Initiations sessions on board larger sailing boats and windsurfing are also scheduled each day.
"Opti 'challenge 2008", will conclude on September 14 on the beach of Khereddine, where a large gathering of sailing aficionados is expected to welcome the winners.
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