The Team
Jonathan Ladha and Daniel Inkpen are two local sailors who have progressed through the Newfoundland and Labrador sailing programs and won a bronze medal for Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2005 Canada Games. In 2008, they began an Olympic level campaign in the 49er class sailboat; the newest and most extreme class of Olympic sailing.
Mission
To be the first Newfoundlanders to represent Canada in sailing at the Olympic Games. To win a medal for Canada and for Newfoundland and Labrador in the 2012 Olympic Summer games in London, England in August 2012.
Status Summary and Accomplishments to Date
In August 2010, Jonathan and Daniel were the Canadian National Champions and were the first Newfoundlanders to win CORK, a 40 year old premier Canadian sailing event. In April 2011, during French Olympic Sailing Week, they were the top Canadian team and again surpassed former Olympians and top teams from the rest of Canada and around the world. They have been selected for the Canadian Sailing Team for three consecutive years. They are the only sailors from this province to ever make the national team. Presently, when compared to the other two top Canadian teams, Jonathan and Daniel have an equal chance of representing Canada at the 2012 Olympics. In fact, in three years, through hard work, dedication and commitment to their goals, they have successfully accomplished what most teams require eight to ten years to achieve.
Investment Required
This is the final phase of the campaign to achieve the NL for Gold mission. To stay on par with other teams, $200,000 of further investment is required. It is necessary to hire an experienced and top level coach to reach the team goals; this is a substantial increase to the program cost. Corporate donations are essential to moving forward. Corporate support has been instrumental in the success to date and is key to future success. As such, an opportunity to present the NL for Gold program to you in the near future would be greatly appreciated.
Current Sponsors and Benefits for Future Sponsors
As noted in the Budget section of the web page, the program to date has been funded by private donations, family, corporate donations, and government. Corporate donations have been received from Newfoundland Screech Rum and from Oceanex, as well as a substantial private donation from the artist and renowned sailor, Christopher Pratt. Corporate supporters receive extensive exposure at each sailing event. This exposure is coordinated with the sponsor to maximize corporate benefits and coverage. Sailing competitions for the next year will take place in Canada, the US, Europe, and Australia. World cup events will provide exposure in Miami, USA; Palma, Spain; Hyeres, France; Medemblik, Holland; Weymouth, England; and Kiel, Germany. As an example, Kiel is one of the larger events with over 1200 athletes and coaches and approximately a million visitors. Local NL media coverage occurs roughly twice a year with additional coverage from major accomplishments such as a win at Canadian National Championships. We would be pleased to work with any corporate sponsor and their coverage can range from recognition on the NLforGold web page to a more elaborate program of exposure based on the strong visual appeal of this sport.
Qualification Criteria & How to Get There
The first of two Olympic qualification opportunities is the World Championships in Perth, Australia in December 2011. A finish in the regatta top ten for a Canadian team would result in this top Canadian team securing an Olympic berth. If no Canadian team places in the top ten at the Perth meet, then the top Canadian team at the next World Championships in Zadar, Croatia in May 2012 would represent Canada at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
