That's 16 year old girls day winner speech story is awesome. It has me thinking...

In sailing "recognition" is a key goal to race coaching and Jr sailing programs (clubs). Most sailing clubs spend far more effort on their Jr Sailing programs than anything else. Think about that for a minute. Adult sailing is second in importance.

As soon as you can get the kid that feeling of accomplishment (winning a race say) and more importantly the feeling of pride when being recognized for it by the group (for any number of steps along the way), it's like a switch of pure energy is thrown for them. It's a key moment in the sport for them (and us) and a key moment in their life (I can do anything...). Jr sailing is very healthy today partially because of this focus on Jr programs and Jr racing within their clubs. Now if they could just convert more Jrs into racers in their 30's and beyond, but that's another topic.

Soaring has too few opportunities for kids to get recognized by other kids and adults alike. Very, very few Jrs are involved in contests. Very few articles are about kids achievements. We should all be doing more in the US to increase the rate at which 16 year olds (girls and boys) have this kind of moment in their lives with soaring.

What a great story Hank! You guys should have video taped that speech! It should be on the center of home page of the ssa website all summer!

Sean