St.PAUL, Antigua and Barbuda – 27th June, 2019 – For just under two weeks in July, hundreds of youth from across the globe will converge on the Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour to participate in the 2019 Optimist World Dinghy Championships.
The National Parks Authority has pulled out every possible stop to ensure that the major showcase of the finest young sailors from around the world is a tremendous success.
It will take place from the 6th – 16th July and will put on display exciting races against the backdrop of the beautiful and scenic coastline off the Nelson’s Dockyard.
The NPA is busy making preparations to host not only the sailors, their parents, team management and organisers but also accommodate the vessels that will take to the water over the course of the event.
Container loads of the boats are already in Antigua and are being unloaded in the parking lot of the Nelson’s Dockyard.
The National Park has committed to play a major role in facilitating the race officials in the preparation, planning and organizing of the event.
One of the organisers Paola Vittoria has expressed her appreciation to the team at the National Park for their generous efforts so far.
“We would not have been able to attract the event to Antigua without the support that the Nelson’s Dockyard assured they will provide. So far, they have not disappointed.” Vittoria stated.
“This is yet another major opportunity for us at the National Park to put the very best of the Dockyard on show,” stated Parks Commissioner Ann Marie Martin. “All our departments have been mobilized to provide the necessary support to the organisers.”
The size of the event dictates that the National Park will have to make a number of changes to a couple of its usual activities. Its annual Children’s Adventure Day, which hosts summer camps for an all day activity in July, has been cancelled this year.
The National Parks Authority is encouraging members of the public to be a part of the events, including the opening ceremony and cultural parade of nations from Falmouth to English Harbour on Sunday 7th July.