From Dream to Reality

While the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 may have just finished, interest in the 2017-18 edition is well underway. What may prove to be one of the more interesting campaigns that hopes to get to the start line is the Live Your Dream (LYD) Ocean Racing Foundation.

LYD Ocean Racing Foundation was set up to expand the horizons of the chronically ill through participation in global sporting events. By taking on this challenge, the foundation aims to provide a better future for the chronically ill – opening up opportunities in society and in the employment market. The campaign hopes to assemble a sailing team of chronically ill and healthy sailors.

“Participation (in the race) is a victory in itself,” stated Olaf Oosterman, founder of the LYD Foundation (he has Marfan syndrome, a chronic disorder). “Just by focusing on the opportunities and making myself physically fit I have already far exceeded my own expectations. This is what I really want to share with the world, so that we, the chronically ill, can and do participate in society. In the times we live in, this is more important than ever”.

According to Tom Touber, Volvo Ocean Race COO, the LYD team’s participation is a unique project; a contribution to society at a global level that shows that there is an opportunity for everyone to participate.

More details here.