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Vermont Athletic Academy Students help launch sailing season for people living with cancer

Submitted by tim on

Vermont Business Magazine Student-athletes from Vermont Athletic Academy brought their mindfulness practice to Burlington’s waterfront last week to volunteer with Healing Winds Vermont on behalf of cancer patients and their families.

On May 20th, middle school students gathered by the Lake Champlain waterfront with mindfulness coach Elvira Tripp O’Leary, parent Susie Therrien, and Healing Winds Vermont board member and Captain Glen Findholt. The students’ task: to scrub and ready for the season the 28.5 foot sailing vessel “Jubilee” while practicing awareness and self-improvement. 

Healing Winds Vermont is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide respite sailing for cancer patients and their caregivers, relieving stress and anxiety and creating memories through time shared on the water. “The boys cleaned and polished the sailboat, had a good laugh, and were really energetic and focused,” said Director Glen Findholt. “We’re ready for a season of care and kindness as we offer cancer victims a chance to experience the freedom of being on the water.”

“Unfortunately many of us have been touched by cancer, directly or indirectly. Today we had the opportunity to set our intention for making this boat as clean as we could for those who will be on it, and wish them some peace in recovery,” noted Elvira Tripp O’Leary.

Vermont Athletic Academy is a middle school located in Shelburne. Their mission is to transform passion for sport into a lifetime of opportunity by developing character and academic potential in a dedicated learning environment.  The students’ day of rigorous academics is accompanied with daily physical training and mindfulness.

“We provide excellence in academics and forge elite athletes with a holistic approach to education. Our approach includes growing compassionate, well-rounded students who are invested in their community,” commented Tom O’Leary, the school’s founder.

For more information about Healing winds Vermont visit http://www.healingwindsvt.org, and to learn more about Vermont Athletic Academy, visit http://www.vermontathletic.com. The Vermont Athletic Academy is currently enrolling boys and girls in 5th through 8th grade for the 2016-2017 school year.