This summer, the North Star Chapter of the Sierra Club partnered with the Sanneh Foundation and Minneapolis Sailing Center for a groundbreaking sailing expedition for youth at Bde Maka Ska that was months in the making.
In the first program of its kind, 30 school-age youth residing on St. Paul’s East Side joined the Minneapolis Sailing Center on July 12 for a half day of sailing on a beautiful summer morning. The event was envisioned and made possible by the Sierra Club North Star Chapter's Outdoor Programs Coordinator, JR Hunte.
Also in attendance were Tony Sanneh, The Sanneh Foundation founder and executive leader; Dawn Selle, The Sanneh Foundation Vice President of External Relations and Partnership; Jackie Ostfeld, National Director of the Sierra Club's Outdoors for All Campaign; Kamau Wilkins, Co-Chair, Sierra Club North Star Chapter, and Ted Salzman, Executive Director, Minneapolis Sailing Center.
The goal of this program was to provide safe space for youth to learn new and empowering sailing skills; first hand experience with an opportunity for water recreation not far from their homes and neighborhoods; and build appreciation for the value of local clean water.
Youth participating through The Sanneh Foundation’s Summer Splash Program (based at Conway Community Center) were able to learn some basics of sailing from a Minneapolis Sailing Center Instructor and enjoy a beautiful day on the water at Bde Maka Ska, the largest lake in Minneapolis.
This event was part of an ongoing program partnership between the Sierra Club North Star Chapter and The Sanneh Foundation.
