New Turning Point Foundation: Inclusion through sailing: the chance for a turning point in life

It has long been recognised and proven that sailing is one of the most inclusive sports in the world. The new and internationally unique Turning Point Foundation is focussing on this. It was set up by Heidelberg-based founder Heinz-Peter Schmidt, who has brought on board a powerful team led by Paralympic champion Jens Kroker, one of the most renowned competitive athletes, as managing director and other experts. The new initiative aims to use sailing to promote the inclusion of people with mental or physical disabilities and socially disadvantaged people in a sustainable and long-term way. The aim of Turning Point is to give these people life-changing experiences through the sailing experience and to better integrate them into society.

"Get everyone - including disadvantaged groups - on board!"

Sailing is a multi-talented sport when it comes to inclusion and getting everyone on board. Sailing breaks down barriers, promotes team building and gives people with disabilities the chance to experience new things and turning points in their lives. The new sailing platform for inclusion was created with this in mind. "Get everyone - including disadvantaged groups - on board" is the motto of the foundation, which will be setting sail for more inclusion from 2022. Heinz-Peter Schmidt was motivated for the initiative, which has a lot of appeal, by previously funded youth sailing projects in which he witnessed the development of young sailors. Heinz-Peter Schmidt says: "During my previous sailing projects, I was able to observe how young people gained more self-confidence through sailing and also developed very positively in their private lives as a result."

The foundation and its goals are based on a formula that is as simple as it is clear, which is summarised in the Turning Point statement as follows: "On a boat, everyone is equal and a team - whether with or without a personal handicap. Disadvantages remain on land. Dealing with nature, technology and team building while sailing is seen as ideal for experiencing turning points. This is exactly what the foundation wants to achieve with its support work." In reality, this means that disadvantaged people sail together with people without disabilities. The first foundation activities planned for this year are to be integrated into existing sailing clubs and also lead to more inclusion in joint training sessions and regattas. Targeted support and start-up assistance will be provided for the practice of water sports, for example through barrier-free boats, trained coaches and supervisors, special sailing courses and the expansion of existing sailing infrastructure for inclusive projects.

The target group is people of all ages - especially young people - with mental or physical disabilities and socially disadvantaged people. The foundation wants to introduce them to sailing and create and permanently establish sustainable inclusive clubs and programmes. So far, factors such as expensive equipment, low awareness of sailing, a lack of inclusive framework conditions or few inclusive sailing programmes in clubs have made only a few inclusive programmes possible. This is now set to change. There has also often been a lack of qualified trainers and coaches as well as public funding for inclusive sailing projects. This is precisely where the foundation wants to start. Trainers and coaches are to receive targeted training and as many "Wendepunkt" sailing courses as possible are to be offered.

The turning point sailing courses are already starting this year

Three courses are already planned for this year:The kick-off event will take place from 20 to 22 May 2022 in Prien am Chiemsee. This will be followed by events in Berlin (6 to 8 July) and Flensburg (12 to 14 August). In addition, sailing for people with disadvantages is to be brought more into focus through campaigns at trade fairs and events as well as lighthouse projects for those affected, but also in society. The Turning Point Foundation is being set up by a highly experienced and competent team: Jens Kroker, one of the most successful Paralympic sailors in the world with three Paralympic medals, has taken over the management of the organisation. Parallel to his successful sporting career with three world championship titles, Jens Kroker has made a career in a major German company despite not having a left hand, making him a good example of successful inclusion and how sailing can be a turning point.

Kroker's coaches Bernd Zirkelbach and Christian Bittner are also on board with Turning Point. Zirkelbach has not only made Germany the most successful Paralympic sailing nation, but also has decades of experience in setting up sailing academies and qualifying coaches and support staff. Bittner has been Kroker's personal coach since 2005. The team also includes Jörg Aleith, Anja Düvel and Sabine Kroker-Hohmann, who have been actively and very successfully involved in the development of inclusive sailing in Germany for many years. The team is completed by Rebecca Ramirez, who has a wealth of experience in the non-profit sector. Kroker says: "Turning Point is a globally unique initiative. It can decisively advance the inclusion of disadvantaged people in society. It is an honour for me to be able to contribute my sailing and entrepreneurial experience." If you would like to find out more or are interested in taking part in one of the "Turning Point" courses, please contact the homepage of the Turning Point Foundation Contact us (please click!)