Bitter End Supports Youth Programming in the BVI
The Bitter End Yacht Club and Bitter End Foundation are delighted to announce the completion of another successful local educational and enrichment program aimed at introducing youth to scuba diving and the wonders of the underwater world. Thanks to our valued partnership with Unite BVI and Sunchaser Scuba, this summer’s program was executed while observing cautionary programmatic modifications in light of current concerns around COVID-19.
Commencing on July 21, and carrying on through the summer, 56 youth participants from the local community (45 from Virgin Gorda, 7 from Anegada, and 6 from Tortola) took part in an ambitious Summer Scuba Diving instructional program led by Bitter End Yacht Club-based Sunchaser Scuba. Of those participants, 32 took part in the PADI “Discover Scuba Diving” segment, while 24 took on the PADI “Open Water” dive curriculum.
The goal of the program was to introduce local youth to the joys of scuba diving and watersports, while educating them on the value of marine life to the territory. And, to present them with skills needed for future opportunities in the local watersports and scuba diving economy.
“We feel it is a great opportunity to show the community how amazing diving is,” said Kay Van Leuven from Sunchaser Scuba. “Our students can share their knowledge about the underwater world and the experience itself with the community. Our goal was to show them the incredible world down there and the immense need to protect this natural resource,” she added.
And, once again, partnership was key to the success of this initiative. “With the financial and logistical support of the Bitter End Foundation and Unite BVI, and Sunchaser Scuba’s extensive local and technical knowledge, these young adults had the opportunity to see and experience firsthand the awesomeness of one of the BVI’s greatest assets, its vast and diverse underwater ecosystems” said Lauren Hokin, founding family member of Bitter End Yacht Club. “This was an eye-opening and inspiring experience for many of the participants and it’s our hope that opportunities like this can have a long-term impact on these children's lives."