The Global Kiter Foundation is honored to welcome Christohe Martin to our Ambassador’s team. Christophe has developed equipment enabling people with disabilities to ride in the water and he is the first paraplegic person to ride on his own.
Addicted to sports from an early stage in his life, he started surfing at the age of 7, windsurfing at 10, waterskiing, sailing, paragliding and practiced a number of other sports. He was among the first to start kiteboarding as early as 1997. Even though he managed his career as a marketing and sales manager for important french companies, his heart always lay in sports.
A mountain bike accident that left him paraplegic in 2002 opened new routes as a sportsman. Since 2005, he is in charge of developing the activities for people with disabilities with the French Federation (FFVL) and is the first paraplegic to become an independent kiter. His work has opened routes to many other activities for people with disabiltieis, allowing the community to experience the trhill of various water and airal sports.
In his new role as Ambassador, Christophe joined GKF’s clinic held from the 23 to the 28th of June 2012 in Athens, Greece at the Karavi beach club. The work carried out by Global Kiter Foundation for people with disabilities is to help them reach new levels of independence and skills and to unite the community. GKF also helps volunteers and instructors participate in the activity by sharing knowledge and key skills necessary to teach PWD safely and efficiently. Christophe brings with him years of experience and development, and is a great support to the Foundation.
Christophe is sponsored by Cabrihna Kites (French team), Julbo, Vade Retro, Fondation Mallet, Go Pro.
PWD kiting in the water in June!
Global Kiter Foundation is organizing a special 5-day clinic with Christophe Martin- one of the pioneers in the development of kiting for people with disabilities; in Athens from the 23rd to the 27th of June 2012, in Karavi Beach Club, Schinias.
Christophe Martin is coming from France to share his knowledge about kiting for People with disabilities, as well as demonstrate how it is done with a special seat that is adapted to his kiteboard. Also invited to the clinic is Jenny Ridley, who has been learning how to kite on land in Ireland and is going to be among the first to try kiting in the water.
The purpose of this clinic is to share knowledge and experience, as well as to demonstrate the latest techniques developed for teaching people with disabilities.
This clinic launches our Continuing Education program, which trains participants to kite in the water. For this purpose, participants will be trained on the water by using modified catamarans to show how accessible waterports can to be to all, as well as using a specially adapted seat to become independent kiteboarders. We will also be using SUP (Stand Up Paddle boards) which is a great way to share time together (both abled and disabled share the SUP at the same time!).
The clinic also includes workshops to train volunteers how to help people with disabilities: which includes everything from understanding the different disabilities and working with them; to the practical elements of getting them in and out of the water.
Please help GKF to achieve its goal to buy the special seat. It enables kiters with disabilities to get in the water and kite independently! We are running a special fundraising campaign and every contribution counts! www.indiegogo.com/from-land-to-water. Stop by and learn more about the amazing things that can be done through kiting.
Global Kiter Foundation (GKF) is proud to announce the launch of a brand new section on its website: Entourage!
This space is dedicated to schools and shops around the world who wish to support the mission of the foundation and be part of our growing network.
As well as offering their support, schools and shops also get the chance to promote their business at an international level through their own dedicated and optimized profile. The profiles include all the information that people want to know about, including details about upcoming events, lessons, information about their spot and the services available.
The section also launches the Calendar, which contains all GKF related events happening around the world, which is another great way to promote the good that can be done by the kiting community!
This new section launches alongside our newly updated homepage, which is even more user-friendly and make it very simple for anyone to get involved and support the work of the Foundation.
The Entourage section carries is annual membership donation of 150 euros ($200) which goes straight to the Foundation to support the mission and ongoing projects.
For more information, check out www.globalkiter.com/entourage
Good things happen when the kiting community gets together!
Riders from all over Greece came together to participate in a special fundraising Endurance Race. The event was organized by the Global Kiter Foundation and Kitepark.gr, with the support of Kiteclub.gr.
The Lefkadi Kiteboarder Weekend was a special event. It was organized to raise funds for local kiter Vaggelis who became paralyzed after a kiting accident in 2011. The kiting community rallied around and showed the true meaning of sportsmanship.
10 teams of 3 riders each raced to complete as many laps of the circuit as possible during the 3 hour competition. There was a great mix of competitive spirit on the water and fun off the water, while riders regained their strength between the laps. Everyone who took part had a wonderful time and had smiles on their faces from the beginning till the end.
Testing endurance, strategy and skill, each team did amazing work! The winning team completed an incredible 78 laps during the 3 hours and a total amount of 900 euros was raised for Vaggelis within those 3 hours!
We also organized a beach cleanup in the morning with the athletes and volunteers: it is the perfect pre-wind activity showing how easy it is to be eco-friendly with our sport, and meeting part of GKF’s mission to involve local communities in improving the environment. Remember- always leave the spot cleaner than you found it!
Kiting champion Mark Shinn proved his great sportsmanship too... Not only did he have great fun with the guys, he was also part of the winning team! Mark made the trip over especially for this weekend. Thank you to Shinn World for being there!
The event was also supported by Weendy, Billabong Greece, SecretSpots, FunSports, Airush Greece, Lifeguard Hellas, and Surfers4life.
In support of the Global Kiter Foundation
The ‘Paintings from Elsewhere’ Art Show is a fundraising event and exhibition displaying beautiful and unique paintings from the Caribbean island shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. For artists from this region, their works are marked by color and light, with the art reflecting a rich culture and identity, and includes influences from Africa, Europe and Asia.
The level of details, depth and raw talent will inspire and impress you. This is a unique showcasing of vibrant, beautiful art.
Organized by the Global Kiter Foundation, the art show will be held at the Golden Hall from the 6th to the 13th of June 2012.
The Global Kiter Foundation enriches the lives of people with physical disabilities in Greece and throughout the world, teaching new skills and independence, and empowering them through healthy, social activities.
100% of the proceeds from the art show will be donated to support the work and projects of the Global Kiter Foundation and people with physical disabilities.
The Art Show will take place in the Golden Hall, on the 1st Floor.
The Opening Reception is on Wednesday June 6th from 7 to 8.30 pm, with drinks kindly sponsored by Boutari Wines. The Art Show will last until Wednesday 13th of June 2012.
Supported by: Golden Hall, Boutari Wines, Enel Green Power Hellas, COCO-MAT, RedCarpet.gr, Ileana Tounta Contemporay Art Center, and maria panayides artproductions.
Για την υποστήριξη του Global Kiter Foundation
Η έκθεση “Paintings from elsewhere” είναι μια φιλανθρωπική εκδήλωση, στην οποία θα παρουσιασθούν μοναδικοί και ξεχωριστοί πίνακες που προέρχονται από το νησί της Καραϊβικής, το οποίο μοιράζονται η Δομινικανή Δημοκρατία και η Αϊτή. Τα έργα των καλλιτεχνών από την περιοχή αυτή, χαρακτηρίζονται από φως και χρώμα, αντικατοπτρίζουν τον πλούσιο πολιτισμό τους και την ταυτότητα τους και περιέχουν επιρροές από την Αφρική, την Ευρώπη και την Ασία.
Το επίπεδο της λεπτομέρειας, το βάθος και το ακατέργαστο ταλέντο, θα σας εμπνεύσει και θα σας εντυπωσιάσει. Πρόκειται για μια εξαιρετική παρουσίαση ζωντανής και έντονης τέχνης.
Διοργανώνεται από το Global Kiter Foundation και θα πραγματοποιηθεί στο Golden Hall από τις 6 έως τις 13 Ιουνίου 2012.
Το Global Kiter Foundation αξιοποιεί τον αθλητισμό για να εμπλουτίσει τις ζωές των ατόμων με κινητικά προβλήματα και των ευπαθών κοινωνικών ομάδων στην Ελλάδα και σε όλο τον κόσμο, μέσω της εκμάθησης νέων δεξιοτήτων και της ανάπτυξης ηθικού σθένους και ανεξαρτησίας.
Όλα τα έσοδα από την έκθεση θα διατεθούν για να υποστηρίξουν το έργο και τα προγράμματα του Global Kiter Foundation και τα άτομα με κινητικές αναπηρίες.
Η Έκθεση Τέχνης θα πραγματοποιηθεί στο Golden Hall, στον 1ο όροφο από τις 6 Ιουνίου ως τις 13 Ιουνίου. Τα εγκαίνια θα γίνουν την Τετάρτη 6, Ιουνίου στις 07:00 μμ, ενώ τα ποτά είναι ευγενική χορηγία από την Boutari Wines.
Με την ευγενική υποστήριξη του Golden Hall, της Μπουτάρη Οινοποιητικής, της Enel Green Power Hellas, COCO-MAT, RedCarpet.gr, της Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre, και της maria panayides artproductions.
To Global Kiter Foundation είναι Ίδρυμα μη κερδοσκοπικού χαρακτήρα και αποστολή του είναι η ενίσχυση της περιβαλλοντικής συνείδησης, η οργανωμένη ομαδική δράση και η ανάπτυξη ειδικών δεξιοτήτων, χρησιμοποιώντας το Kiteboarding ως μοναδικό συνδετικό κρίκο για τα άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες και τις οικονομικά ευπαθείς ομάδες.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες επισκεφθείτε την ιστοσελίδα μας www.globalkiter.com ή επικοινωνήστε μαζί μας στο info@globalkiter.com. Επιτέλους ο άνεμος της αλλαγής έχει αρχίσει να πνέει δυνατά! Ακολουθήστε μας στο Facebook και στο Twitter.
The Global Kiter Foundation is delighted to announce the winner of the fundraising raffle to win a brand new kite for Easter. Congratulations to Gregory Watts from Virginia, U.S. who is the lucky new owner of a fantastic 9m Screamer from Epic Kites.
Gregory says: “I first heard about this raffle about a month ago and instantly bought some tickets. I got a reminder late last night stating this is the last day for entries before announcing a winner. I then bought 25 more hoping I would get lucky. Low and behold, I WON! I never win anything, EVER! So to actually win something that I dream and fantasize about everyday at work is truly amazing! Thank you so much!”
Epic Kites kindly teamed up with GKF for this special fundraising raffle. Through their in-kind donation of a complete 9m Screamer kite, GKF’s 1 euro for 1 kite contest ran for 6 weeks. Each ticket gave participants a chance to win the kite, while all the proceeds went directly to supporting the work of the Foundation.
The winner was picked at random from the many participants from around the world in a draw carried out on Monday March 26th at 4pm (GMT).
Thanks to Epic Kites’ donation, 100% of proceeds from this fundraising raffle go to support GKF’s ongoing work including kiting workshops for people with physical disabilities and youth training programs.
GKF co-founder Sandrine Roussos Werner says: “We would like to thank everyone involved in supporting this great campaign. We are delighted that Gregory is going to have a lot of great times on the Epic Screamer. Good winds to you!”.
The Global Kiter Foundation is a non-profit Foundation that improves environmental awareness, creates community engagement and offers comprehensive education using kiteboarding as the unique connection point for people with physical disabilities and underprivileged youth.
Visit www.globalkiter.com for more info or contact info@globalkiter.com. The global winds of change have finally arrived! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Visitez www.globalkiter.com pour plus d’info ou contactez info@globalkiter.com. Suivez nous sur Facebook et Twitter.
Rescheduled due to extreme weather conditions
Due to a strong low-pressure font that is producing gale force winds and possible snow fall, the Charity Crossing scheduled on the 4th of February has to be rescheduled.
The Rafina Port Authority did not grant permission to cross the Evoikos Kolpos, as the strong wind conditions would make it too dangerous for the rescue boats to assist.
The crossing, aimed at raising awareness and funds for three charities, is rescheduled for the end of February.
For more information on the challenge, please visit http://www.globalkiter.com/projects#4
You can also contact Sandrine: sandrine@globalkiter.com or call +30 2130050247. Follow us on Facebook: Surfers 4 Life and Global Kiter Foundation.
Αθλητές αετοσανίδας, ιστιοσανίδας και ιστιοπλόοι ενώνουν τις δυνάμεις τους και δοκιμάζουν τις αντοχές τους έναντι των στοιχείων της φύσης προκειμένου να στηρίξουν τρία φιλανθρωπικά ιδρύματα.
Οι περισσότεροι από εμάς θα το σκεφτόμασταν πολύ, πριν αφήσουμε τη θαλπωρή του σπιτιού μας μια κρύα ημέρα του Φλεβάρη. Για τους εθελοντές αθλητές είναι μια ευκαιρία να στείλουν ένα ηχηρό μήνυμα συμπαράστασης σε καρκινοπαθείς και τις οικογένειες τους.
Στις 4 Φεβρουαρίου, Παγκόσμια Ημέρα κατά του Καρκίνου - καιρού επιτρέποντος - ο Ηλίας Κατηρτσιγιανόγλου (αθλητής αετοσανίδας), ο Σπυρίδων Σοφιανός (ιστιοπλόος) και η Sandrine Ρούσσου Werner (συνιδρυτής του Global Kiter Foundation) θα συμμετάσχουν με την ομάδα των εθελοντών αθλητών στο διάπλου του νότιου Ευβοϊκού Κόλπου, διανύοντας μιαν απόσταση περίπου 22 Χλμ. Ο διάπλους θα ξεκινήσει από το Μαρμάρι Ευβοίας και θα τερματίσει στη Λούτσα. Οι αθλητές θα έχουν την υποστήριξη των εθελοντών της Ελληνικής Λέσχης Ταχυπλοΐας, του Ναυτικού Ομίλου Παλαιού Φαλήρου και των Φίλων του Αιγαίου, οι οποίοι συμμετέχουν στο διάπλου με τζετ σκι, φουσκωτά και ιστιοπλοϊκά σκάφη, ναυαγοσώστες αλλά και δωρεές.
Οι περισσότεροι εθελοντές έχουν εμπειρία από τον καρκίνο είτε προσωπική είτε έμμεση στο οικογενειακό και φιλικό τους περιβάλλον. Για τον Ηλία, ο οποίος διαγνώστηκε με καρκίνο των όρχεων το Δεκέμβριο του 2009, η ιδέα του διάπλου λειτούργησε ως κίνητρο, για να αντιμετωπίσει τη νόσο και να βοηθήσει και άλλους ανθρώπους να κάνουν το ίδιο. Για τον Σπύρο, η συμμετοχή του στον αγώνα της 4ης Φεβρουαρίου είναι ένα μήνυμα προς τα μέλη της οικογένειας του ότι είναι στο πλευρό τους. «Αν μόνο ένα άτομο λάβει το μήνυμά μας και βρει το απαραίτητο κουράγιο και την υποστήριξη να καταπολεμήσει τη νόσο, τότε έχουμε επιτύχει αρκετά», είπαν, προσθέτοντας: «Όταν είδαμε από κοντά το έργο του Global Kiter Foundation σε μια από τις εκδηλώσεις τους και την επίδραση που είχε σε ανθρώπους με αναπηρίες, αμέσως θεωρήσαμε ότι πρέπει να εργαστούμε από κοινού για αυτή την πρόκληση".
Η Sandrine Ρούσσου Werner, συνιδρυτής του Global Kiter Foundation και αναπόσπαστο μέλος της οργάνωσης αυτού του διάπλου, πρόσθεσε: «Πρόκειται για έναν υπέροχο τρόπο να αυξήσουμε την ευαισθητοποίηση για τον καρκίνο αλλά και για τα άτομα με σωματική αναπηρία. Όλοι είμαστε σε θέση να συναισθανθούμε το σκοπό αφού όλοι μας γνωρίζουμε κάποιον που έχει υποστεί τη μία ή την άλλη κατάσταση.
Όλα τα χρήματα που συγκεντρώνονται με αφορμή το διάπλου θα μοιραστούν ισόποσα σε σε τρεις φιλανθρωπικές οργανώσεις: Μείνε Δυνατός Ελλάδος, Γιατροί Χωρίς Σύνορα Ελλάδος και Global Kiter Foundation (GKF).
Το “Μείνε δυνατός” ιδρύθηκε το 2007 και είναι ένας μη κερδοσκοπικός οργανισμός που συμβάλλει στην ευαισθητοποίηση, αυξάνει την προβολή και διευκολύνει τη συνεργασία σε μια προσπάθεια να βελτιώσει την εμπειρία του καρκίνου.
Ο οργανισμός “Γιατροί Χωρίς Σύνορα” ιδρύθηκε το 1971 και είναι μια διεθνής ανθρωπιστική οργάνωση που παρέχει επείγουσα βοήθεια στους πληθυσμούς που πλήττονται από ένοπλες συγκρούσεις, επιδημίες, φυσικές καταστροφές και αποκλεισμό από την υγειονομική περίθαλψη. Το ελληνικό υποκατάστημα δημιουργήθηκε το 1990.
Το Global Kiter Foundation (GKF) είναι ένα μη κερδοσκοπικό σωματείο με σκοπό να καταστήσει ικανά τα άτομα με σωματικές αναπηρίες, να σπάσει φραγμούς μέσω του αθλητισμού, λαμβάνοντας παράλληλα δράσεις για τη διατήρηση ενός καθαρού περιβάλλοντος. Το σωματείο ιδρύθηκε το 2011.
Αυτό θα είναι το πρώτο βήμα, για να ακολουθήσουν πιο φιλόδοξοι στόχοι με τη συμμετοχή επαγγελματιών αθλητών και ερασιτεχνών αθλητών με αναπηρία.
Για τους τρόπους, με τους οποίους μπορείτε να υποστηρίξετε το διάπλου ή για τις δωρεές σας στους κοινωφελής οργανισμούς, παρακαλώ επισκεφθείτε την ιστοσελίδα http://www.globalkiter.com/projects # 4. Τα χρήματα που θα συγκεντρωθούν, θα κατανεμηθούν ισόποσα στα τρία φιλανθρωπικά ιδρύματα.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες, επικοινωνήστε με τον Ηλία μέσω email στο e.katir@talk21.com, τον Σπυρίδωνα στο stsofianos@gmail.com ή τη Sandrine (Sandrine@globalkiter.com, +30 2130050247). Εναλλακτικά, για να μάθετε περισσότερα επισκεφτείτε τις σελίδες μας στο Facebook: Surfers 4 Life και Global Kiter Foundation.
Kiters and sailors join forces to raise funds for 3 charities
Most of us think twice before leaving our warm houses on a cold February day. For others, it is the opportunity to jump into icy cold waters to raise funds and awareness for charity.
This is what a group of kiteboarders and sailors will do in a few weeks. On the 4th of February 2012 and to mark World Cancer Day (subject to weather and wind conditions), Ilias Katirtsigianoglou (kiter), Spyridon Sofianos (sailor) and Sandrine Roussos Werner (co-founder of the Global Kiter Foundation) will be joined by a team of volunteers to cross 22 km of the south Evoikos Kolpos (Channel) in Greece to raise funds for charity. The crossing will take them from Marmari (Evia) across the channel to Loutsa. The team will be supported by volunteers from the Greek PWC Racing Association, the Nautical Club of Palaio Faliro and the Omada Aigaiou (Aegean Sailing Team) who will be assisting with jet skis, RIBS, sailing vessels, lifeguards and donations.
Most of the volunteers have experienced cancer directly or indirectly through their siblings. The concept of the crossing helped Ilias to overcome the challenge he was faced with when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in December 2009. It acted as his motivation to get better and to help others by sending a message of empowerment and helping to raise funds for worthwhile charities. Similarly Spyros is reaching out to family members to make a bold statement he is there for them. “If just one person receives our message and finds the necessary courage and support to fight then we have achieved enough”, they said, adding: “When we joined Global Kiter Foundation at one of their events and saw the effect their work had on people with disabilities we immediately felt we should work together on this challenge”.
Sandrine Roussos Werner, co-founder of the Global Kiter Foundation and an integral part of the organization of this very special crossing, added: “This is a fantastic way to raise awareness for both cancer and people with a physical disability. We can all relate to this cause as we all know someone who is afflicted by one or the other. I am grateful to Ilias and Spyridon for giving us the opportunity to join forces and create a wonderful event.”
All funds raised for this crossing will be equally divided between three charities: Bestrong Greece, Medecins Sans Frontieres Greece and Global Kiter Foundation (GKF).
BeSTRONG Greece was founded in 2007 and is a non profit organization that raises awareness, increases outreach and facilitates collaboration in an effort to improve the cancer experience.
Medecins Sans Frontieres was founded in 1971 and is an international humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. The Greek branch was created in 1990.
Global Kiter Foundation is a non-profit Foundation empowering and enabling people with physical dis
abilities to break barriers through sport and gives the underprivileged youth a new career opportunity, while taking actions to keep our environment clean. The Foundation was established in 2011.
This is the first crossing the team plans on doing. It is the precursor to a bigger crossing scheduled this summer which will include participants with a physical disability.
To support the charity crossing, please visit http://www.globalkiter.com/projects#4 and make a donation. All donations will be equally divided between the 3 above mentioned charities. For more information, contact Ilias (e.katir@talk21.com) Spyridon (stsofianos@gmail.com) or Sandrine (Sandrine@globalkiter.com or call +30 2130050247). Alternatively follow us on Facebook: Surfers 4 Life and Global Kiter Foundation.
We are delighted to announce the winner of the raffle to win a brand new kite for Christmas. Congratulations to Malcolm Hawker from New South Wales, Australia. He is soon the be the proud owner of a fantastic 9.5m Kahoona V3 from BEST Kiteboarding.
GKF joined forces with BEST Kiteboarding for this unique fundraising event. Through an in-kind donation of a brand new Kahoona kite, GKF’s 1 euro for 1 kite raffle ran for 6 weeks. Each ticket gave participants a chance to win the kite, while supporting the work of the Foundation.
Thanks to BEST’s donation, all the proceeds from the raffle are going to support GKF’s projects, which include workshops to introduce people with physical disabilities to kiting and youth training programs.
Sandrine Roussos Werner (GKF co-founder): “This raffle was a lot of fun to run. It gave a chance to kiters to give back and support the development of our sport. Thank you to BEST for helping to support our message- it’s easy to be involved and to change lives. Congratulations Malcolm, GKF wishes you wonderful winds on your new kite!”
The Global Kiter Foundation is a non-profit organization, created in February 2011 and started operations in May 2011.
GKF’s Wind that Works program helps us meet our objectives by using kiting to:
- Enable people to achieve incredible results through sport, regardless of health conditions
- Educate communities about the importance of natural resources like wind and nature
- Sustain our efforts by encouraging communities to engage with and preserve our environment
Visit www.globalkiter.com for more info or contact info@globalkiter.com. The global winds of change have finally arrived! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Global Kiter Foundation (GKF) is proud to announce it has teamed up with BEST Kiteboarding to give you the chance to win a brand new 9.5m Kahoona V3.
BEST is supporting GKF’s fundraising efforts through a generous in-kind donation. It is simple: buy a ticket for one euro through the brand new GKF boutique, and you enter the draw. Each ticket gives you 1 chance to win. Buy 20 tickets for 20 times the chance- it also means you support the Foundation 20 times more! All the proceeds from the raffle directly support the Foundation’s ongoing projects.
The campaign is running until the 12th of December, just in time for the lucky winner to receive their kite for Christmas!
Donors and partners can support GKF’s work in many ways. In-kind donations can help us reach our objective of supporting and developing kiting community projects around the world.
The Global Kiter Foundation is a non-profit organization, created in February 2011 and started operations in May 2011.
GKF’s Wind that Works program helps us meet our objectives to:
- Enable people to achieve incredible results through sport, regardless of health conditions
- Educate communities about the importance of natural resources like wind and nature
- Sustain our efforts by encouraging communities to engage with and preserve our environment
Visit www.globalkiter.com for more info or contact info@globalkiter.com. The global winds of change have finally arrived! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Global Kiter Foundation launches bigger and better website!
BEST Kiteboarding has teamed up with www.globalkiter.com to celebrate its relaunch.
The Global Kiter Foundation is delighted to unveil its brand new, re-designed website. There are lots of changes to the site, which better reflect the work we are doing, and how the Foundation has evolved. These changes include:
- Projects: learn about our ongoing projects and find out how GKF is supporting people with physical disabilities through kiting, developing environmental awareness programs and creating new opportunities through kiteboarding. You can easily be involved as a volunteer or participant in any of our events.
- Donate: Great new options make it even easier that ever to help a great cause. Learn more about in-kind donations, monthly giving and workplace giving.
- The Wire: is a beautiful streamlined communications section to keep up with all our news, find updates on the blog and check to see what world media is saying about GKF.
- About Us: Find out about our fantastic GKF team and Ambassadors, our mission and our supporting Centers in our new-look About Us section.
- Boutique: Shop and Give! Anything you buy through the GKF Boutique goes directly to support the work of the Foundation. Check out the amazing tshirts and wristbands to start off with!
Alongside the relaunch, we are very excited to announce a special raffle!
BEST Kiteboarding has joined forces with GKF to give you a chance to win a brand new 9.5m Kahoona kite. BEST is supporting GKF’s fundraising efforts through this generous in-kind donation. How does it work? Simply buy a ticket through One Euro for One Kite! Buy as many tickets as you like- this could be your BEST Christmas EVER!! Visit the site for more details.
Our next website update will be translations into the following languages: French, Spanish, Italian and Greek. More will follow after that!
Global Kiter Foundation is a non-profit organization, created in February 2011 and started operations in May 2011.
GKF’s Wind that Works program helps us meet our objectives to:
· Enable people to achieve incredible results through sport, regardless of health conditions
· Educate communities about the importance of natural resources like wind and nature
· Sustain our efforts by encouraging communities to engage with and preserve our environment
Visit www.globalkiter.com for more info or contact info@globalkiter.com. The global winds of change have finally arrived! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Τεράστια επιτυχία η εκδήλωση στην παραλία του Μαραθώνα
Το Global Kiter Foundation (GKF) υπερήφανα ανακοινώνει την επιτυχία της δεύτερης εκδήλωσης του προγράμματος ‘Wind that Works’ στην Αθήνα, για άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες. Η διοργάνωση πραγματοποιήθηκε στον Μαραθώνα, το Σάββατο 8 Οκτωβρίου, και είναι η τρίτη στη σειρά που πραγματοποιείται στην Ελλάδα. Αντιπρόσωποι από το Υπουργείο Υγείας και εθελοντές από την εταιρία Enel Green Power Hellas ενώθηκαν με την ομάδα του GKF στην παραλία και συμμετείχαν στην εκδήλωση.
Το GKF προσφέρει σε άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες την ευκαιρία να αναπτύξουν νέες δεξιότητες, μέσω του kitesurfing. Εθελοντές λαμβάνουν μέρος βοηθώντας τους συμμετέχοντες καθώς φιλοσοφία μας είναι να κτίζουμε δεξιότητες μέσα από ομαδική στήριξη, προστατεύοντας ταυτόχρονα τον περιβάλλον.
Στο workshop του Σαββάτου συμμετείχαν 11 άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες. Σχηματίστηκαν δύο ομάδες: οι αρχάριοι, οι οποίοι μυήθηκαν στο σπορ με μικρότερους εκπαιδευτικούς αετούς, ενώ οι πιο προχωρημένοι, μαζί μας για δεύτερη φορά, έμαθαν πιο ανεπτυγμένες τεχνικές σε μεγαλύτερους αετούς.
Ο Αλέξανδρος Φερέτος, ο οποίος συμμετέχει σε κάθε μας εκδήλωση χαρακτηριστικά δήλωσε: «Είμαι κατενθουσιασμένος και θέλω να ευχαριστήσω το Global Kiter Foundation που μας δίνει μια τέτοια ευκαιρία! Είναι πολύ διασκεδαστικό άθλημα, ανυπομονώ να μπω σύντομα με το kite και στο νερό!»
Το GKF είχε την τιμή να φιλοξενήσει εκπροσώπους από το Υπουργείο Υγείας και Κοινωνικής Αλληλεγγύης, οι οποίοι γνώρισαν από κοντά το έργο του Ιδρύματος κατόπιν στναντήσεων της συν-ιδρύτριας του GKF, Sandrine Roussos Werner με τον Σεπτέμβριο τον κο Κώστα Παταβούκα, Ειδικό Γραμματέα Αθλητισμού. Παρόντες στη δραστηριότητα ήταν ο κος Μάκης Τσολακίδης, Πρόεδρος Αθλητισμού για άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες και ο κος Γιώργος Τσαρουχάς, Ειδικός Σύμβουλος του κου Παταβούκα.
Η συμμετοχή της αφοσιωμένης ομάδας 26 εθελοντών από την Enel Green Power Hellas, την θυγατρική της Enel Green Power στην Ελλάδα, ενίσχυσε τους συμμετέχοντες βοηθώντας τους να ανυψώσουν τους αετούς τους, προσφέροντας οποιαδήποτε άλλη βοήθεια χρειαζόταν. Αλλά δεν είναι μόνο αυτό. Το kiteboarding είναι ένα πράσινο άθλημα, φιλικό προς το περιβάλλον. Βασίζεται μόνο στον άνεμο και στο φυσικό μας περιβάλλον. Το Ίδρυμα GKF χρησιμοποιεί κάθε δραστηριότητα σαν μια ευκαιρία να οργανώσει μαζικό καθαρισμό παραλίας. Η φιλοσοφία μας είναι να αφήνουμε πάντα την παραλία πιο καθαρή απ’ ότι την βρήκαμε. Η ομάδα εθελοντών της Enel Green Power Hellas, μετά από δύο ώρες σκληρής δουλειάς, κατάφεραν να συλλέξουν περισσότερες από 20 σακούλες απορριμάτων, καθαρίζοντας την παραλία από πλαστικές συσκευασίες, μπουκάλια, σύρματα ψαρέματος, σπασμένα γυαλιά και τενεκεδένια κουτάκια.
Ο κος Peter Heilmann, Πρόεδρος της EuroCharity, ήταν επίσης παρών και έζησε από κοντά, μαζί με την ομάδα των εθελοντών, όλη την εμπειρία της δραστηριότητας του GKF.
Η εκδήλωση πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Karavi Beach Club στο Σχοινιά, Μαραθώνα.
Μαζί μας, όπως και σε κάθε εκδήλωση ήταν και η εταιρία 2S Paramedical Equipment LTD (με ορθοπεδικά και παραϊατρικά είδη στην Ελλάδα) η οποία στηρίζει τις προσπάθειές μας, στα πλαίσια του Προγράμματος Κοινωνικής Ευθύνης.
Το Global Kiter Foundation είναι ένας μη-κερδοσκοπικός οργανισμός, που ιδρύθηκε το 2011. Το πρόγραμμα «Wind that Works» βοηθά να πετύχουμε τους παρακάτω στόχους:
-Δίνουμε τη δυνατότητα σε ανθρώπους, ανεξάρτητα από την κατάσταση της υγείας τους, να κατορθώνουν ασύλληπτα αποτελέσματα μέσα από τον αθλητισμό.
-Ενημερώνουμε τις τοπικές κοινότητες για την σπουδαιότητα των φυσικών πόρων, όπως ο άνεμος και η φύση.
-Υποστηρίζουμε μακροπρόθεσμα προσπάθειες για την προστασία του περιβάλλοντος με τη συμμετοχή των τοπικών κοινοτήτων.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες επισκευτείτε το www.globalkiter.com ή επικοινωνήστε στο info@globalkiter.com. The global winds of change have finally arrived! Ακολουθήστε μας στο Facebook και στο Twitter.
The Global Kiter Foundation (GKF) is proud to report the success of our second Wind that Works program in Athens for people with a physical disability. It was organized in Marathonas on October 8, the 3rd event held in Greece so far this year. Representatives from the Ministry of Health and volunteers from Enel Green Power Hellas joined the GKF team on the beach and participated in the event.
During each workshop, GKF provides an opportunity for people with a physical disability to learn new skills which they can develop into a life-long passion in the sport. Volunteers take part in the event to assist participants- our philosophy is to build skills through team support. Wind that Works events show that kitesurfing is an all inclusive sport that the whole community can be involved in.
A group of 11 participants took part on Saturday’s event. They formed 2 groups: beginners, who were being introduced to the skills needed to fly 2-line power-kites; and returning participants from previous workshops, who learned more advanced skills on larger 4-line kites.
Alex Feretas, a returning participant says: “ I am excited, happy and very thankful to the Global Kiter Foundation to give us this opportunity! It’s a lot of fun and I am very interested in the sport and the possibilities it offers us. I am looking forward to riding on the water soon!”
GKF was also very pleased to welcome representatives from the Greek Ministry of Health, who had a chance to see first hand the work we are doing. GKF co-founder Sandrine Roussos Werner met Mr Kostas Patavoukas, Special Secretary for Sports, in September and discussions are ongoing as to how the Ministry of Health can support GKF’s work in Greece. We were pleased to welcome Mr Makis Tsolakidis, the Director of Sports for people with physical disabilities and Mr George Tsarouchas, Special Advisor to Mr Patavoukas during the event.
Participation from a dedicated team of 26 volunteers from Enel Green Power Hellas, the Greek subsidiary of Enel Green Power, was a fantastic addition to the day. Volunteers assisted participants on the beach, helping launch the kites, and supporting wherever necessary, while helping to create a very welcoming and happy experience for everyone involved. But that is not all. Kiteboarding is a green, eco friendly sport- it relies only on the wind and our natural environment. GKF also uses every event as an opportunity to organize a massive beach clean up: our philosophy is to always leave the beach cleaner than we found it. The team of Enel Green Power Hellas volunteers rolled up their sleeves and within 2 hours of work, more than 20 bags of rubbish had been collected- making sure plastics, bottles, fishing wire, broken glass and cans were removed from the coastline.
Mr Peter Heilmann, President of EuroCharity also joined the team of volunteers to experience GKF’s event.
The workshop was held at the Karavi Beach Club in Schinias, near Athens.
The event was also held with the assistance of 2S Paramedical Equipment LTD (www.2sonline.gr) that provides orthopedic and paramedical products in Greece, as part of their Social Responsibility Program.
Global Kiter Foundation is a non-profit organization, created in February 2011 and started operations in May 2011.
GKF’s Wind that Works program helps us meet our objectives to:
-Enable people to achieve incredible results through sport, regardless of health conditions
-Educate communities about the importance of natural resources like wind and nature
-Sustain our efforts by encouraging communities to engage with and preserve our environment
Η δεύτερη δραστηριότητα του Global Kiter Foundation (GKF) ‘Wind that Works’ στην Αθήνα, για άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες, θα πραγματοποιηθεί το Σάββατο 8 Οκτωβρίου 2011 στην παραλία της Βραυρώνας.
Είναι μεγάλη ευκαιρία για νέους συμμετέχοντες να έρθουν και να μάθουν τα βασικά για το πέταγμα του kite, ενώ όσοι είχαν παρακολουθήσει το πρώτο μέρος θα συνεχίσουν σε πιο προχωρημένες δεξιότητες χειρισμού kite.
Η συν-ιδρύτρια του GKF, Sandrine Werner, λέει: «Μας δίνει ιδιαίτερη χαρά να διοργανώνουμε αυτές τις εκδηλώσεις στην Ελλάδα. Όλοι οι συμμετέχοντες και οι εθελοντές είναι κατενθουσιασμένοι και το δέσιμο που κτίζεται μεταξύ τους μέχρι το τέλος της μέρας είναι απίστευτο. Είναι ωραίο που τώρα ο κόσμος καταλαβαίνει ότι το kiteboarding είναι ένα οικολογικό σπορ, προσιτό σε όλους, που δίνει την ευκαιρία να αναδειχτεί μια διαφορετική μορφή ενέργειας που προέρχεται από τον άνεμο».
Όπως σε όλες τις εκδηλώσεις του Global Kiter Foundation, εθελοντές έρχονται για να στηρίζουν τους συμμετέχοντες με ειδικές ανάγκες και να βοηθήσουν στον οργανωμένο καθαρισμό της παραλίας. Το μότο του GKF είναι να αφήνουμε πάντα την τοποθεσία της εκδήλωσης καθαρότερη από ότι την βρήκαμε. Στη συγκεκριμένη εκδήλωση θα συμμετάσχουν εθελοντικά εργαζόμενοι της Enel Green Power Hellas, της ελληνικής θυγατρικής της Enel Green Power, εταιρείας του Ομίλου Enel απόλυτα προσανατολισμένης στην παραγωγή και διαχείριση ενέργειας από ανανεώσιμες πηγές σε διεθνές επίπεδο.
Οι εκδηλώσεις μας γίνονται με την υποστήριξη της 2S Paramedical Equipment LTD που παρέχει ορθοπεδικά και παραϊατρικά προϊόντα στην Ελλάδα, στο πλαίσιο του Προγράμματος της Κοινωνικής Ευθύνης.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες για τις εκδηλώσεις μας, αλλά και για να ενημερωθείτε με ποιούς τρόπους μπορείτε να συνεισφέρετε, μπορείτε να μας επισκεφτείτε στο www.globalkiter.com ή να επικοινωνήσετε μαζί μας στο events@globalkiter.com
Το Global Kiter Foundation είναι μη-κερδοσκοπικός οργανισμός, που ιδρύθηκε τον Φεβρουάριο του 2011 και ξεκίνησε τις δραστηριότητές του τον Μάιο 2011. Επισκεφτείτε το www.globalkiter.com για περισσότερες πληροφορίες ή επικοινωνήστε στο info@globalkiter.com. The global winds of change have finally arrived! Ο παγκόσμιος άνεμος της αλλαγής επιτέλους έφτασε! Ακολουθήστε μας στο Facebook και στο Twitter.
The Global Kiter Foundation is very pleased to welcome our newest ambassador: Jessica Winkler.
Jessica is a well travelled kiting adventurer. Her passion is to help make kiteboarding a more inclusive sport, which makes her a great fit for her role as GKF Ambassador.
Jessica will work closely with GKF and help develop our mission: to improve environmental awareness, create community engagement and offer comprehensive education while using kitesurfing as the unique connection point. Her current base is Progreso, in Yucatan Mexico, where she has being instrumental in developing kiteboarding.
Jessica joins the excellent team which includes Dimitri Maramenides, Charlotte Consorti, Laurel Eastmen, Nuria Goma, Jerome Josserand and Jack Elston. See their profiles and bio.
The Global Kiter Foundation (GKF) is proud to report the huge success of its first project in Greece: a workshop to introduce kiteboarding to people with physical disabilities, that was held in Vravrona, near Athens, on Thursday 28th of July. A beach clean up was also held in conjunction.
Six people with a physical disability were introduced to the sport, learning the principles of wind, and how to manage the kite according to speed and direction. The workshop lasted for 3 hours and the participants all got to the level where they could launch their own trainer kites, control it, and develop skills such as flying in 8s and looping the kites- all necessary techniques to progress onto bigger kites.
The group of participants was joined by experienced instructors Stefanos Averkiou and internationally renowned pro-kiter and GKF ambassador Dimitris Maramenides, who taught them how to fly the kites.
Part of GKF’s mission is to raise environmental awareness. The participants were also joined by a group of dedicated volunteers including a team from Google Greece who participated in the beach clean up.
For three hours, Google Greece’s team and GKF volunteers picked up rubbish on the beach and filled more than 24 big sacks. Among the rubbish, they also picked up tyres, a lady’s high heel shoe, and even a carpet! Thasia from Google Greece says: ‘We spent the afternoon doing the beach clean up and we are very happy to be here. We would like our environment to be healthier and to look better, and we encourage everyone else to participate too.’
Everyone was thrilled with their experience, and thought it was a truly fantastic event.
Sandrine Roussos Werner, co-founder of GKF says: “We could not have hoped for a better event and I have rarely met such a good spirited and motivated group of people. We thank everyone for their participation!”
GKF would also like to thank the Local Council of Markopoulos who organized the pick up after the beach clean up.
This event was held in cooperation with 2S Paramedical Equipment LTD (www.2sonline.gr) a company that provides orthopedic and paramedical products in Greece, as part of their Social Responsibility Program. It is one in a series of 5 workshops that will run in cities throughout Greece between September and October 2011.
The Global Kiter Foundation (GKF) has officially announced the details of its first projects in Greece. GKF is bringing kiting workshops to people with physical disabilities across Greece, giving them the opportunity to discover new skills and making a difference that will matter.
The first introductory workshop was successfully run for the non-profit association Alli-Opsi during their annual training camp for people with physical disabilities. You can find more details here. The workshop was a great hit and everyone involved is excitedly awaiting the next GKF event, where they will have an entire day at their disposal to develop their new skills!
Co-Founder Sandrine Werner says: “The workshop lasted for an afternoon. The participants had a wonderful introduction to kiting- it was great for everyone to see how simple and fun it can be. It gave everyone a new inspiration and we shared some very fun and memorable moments.”
The next events will take place between July and October in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra and Crete starting on July 28th in Athens. For more information on these events and how you can contribute, visit www.globalkiter.com.
GKF team will be supported by a group of volunteer instructors and assistants in each location.
Events are held in partnership with 2S, a company that provides orthopedic and paramedical products in Greece.
Global Kiter Foundation was created in February 2011 and started operations in May 2011. Visit www.globalkiter.com for more info or contact info@globalkiter.com. The global winds of change have finally arrived! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
On Monday June 13th, 18 dedicated members from Google HQ (Dublin) joined GKF's Regional Officer for Ireland, Christophe Bernigaud, to clean up the beautiful Bettystown/Mornington beach.
GKF could not have done it without Meath County Council and their representative Mr. Peter Brady, who supplied all the cleanup equipment on the day.
The weather played its part too - the sun was out and the clouds stayed away, making it a wonderful event for everyone involved.
The morning kicked off with an introduction to the Global Kiter Foundation, its mission and goals. After the introduction and tips for cleanup, the team began to work. By lunchtime, there were already 21 bags of rubbish collected, along with a bicycle, rusty mattress and all sorts of discarded fishing equipment.
The local BT Bistro was kind enough to accommodate the team for their lunch, after which they collected another 22 bags of rubbish, a barrel and even dug out a huge plastic road barrier from the Mornington sand dunes.
It was an educational, worthwhile and fun day for all who took part. Big thanks from the Global Kiter Foundation to Google and their team of hard workers and to Meath County Council. GKF is looking forward to more local events soon! You can check out the rest of the pictures from Bettystown on our Flickr.
Ana from Google said: “I felt priviliged to take part in such an initiative and was actually really dissapointed that the day had to come to an end. Would be great to use these initiaves to raise awareness in the community, especially amongst young people…”
GKF gives everyone a chance to get involved and to give back to their local environment and community by supporting local environmental action. Contact GKF to find out how you can get involved too!
Fastest Woman on Water joins GKF team
Global Kiter Foundation: The Global Winds of Change have arrived!!
