Optimist sailors in Myanmar

Dear Commodores, Members, Parents, Sailors and Friends

The recent Cyclone Nargis that swept through Myanmar caused widespread damage to
the low lying coastal cities in the country. Many people died and many more are left
stranded without their homes or any basic living needs. The complications within the
government politics are making the situation even more tragic for the people.

We, the sailors from the Singapore national squads, have raced, played, and worked
with sailors from Myanmar over many years. Many of them have been to Singapore for
exchange and similarly we have been there. We meet every year at the regional games
and events all over Asia. We practically grew up with our Myanmar friends,and perhaps
some of you as well.

Our rivalry on water and on land over the years has developed into friendship and
respect for each other. Especially so in recent years, vying for top honours at the SEA
(Southeast Asian) Games would almost be just Singapore versus Myanmar. We will be
defending our reign on the water, and they will be making it difficult for us all the way.
We belong to the same breed of tough sailors from Southeast Asia.

Having received news that some of our friends had their houses swept away by the
storm and their yacht club destroyed, we feel a burning need to do something for them.
Our sailing family needs help and we want to extend it in their time of desperation.
We started planning and organising a fund raising event early this week. With the
support from SingaporeSailing and our coaches, we will be taking the morning off from
our training on Saturday to carry out the event.

The details are as follows:
Sailors’ Appeal: Fund Raising for Our Myanmar Friends
Date: Saturday, 17 May 2008
Time: 10.00am - 1.00pm
Venue: National Sailing Centre, 1500 East Coast Parkway

There will be a Charity Car-wash with food, a photo-taking booth, and an auction of
treasured items. Activity Coupons will be sold at the door.

Our target is to raise a five-digit sum of money during the three-hour event and we
endeavour to channel the proceeds DIRECTLY to the sailing community in Myanmar.
The Olympic squad members will be leading the younger sailors in this first sailor-run
event. It will not be big, but it will be done from the bottom of our hearts.

We appeal to all of you belonging to Singapore's sailing fraternity to come to the National
Sailing Centre this Saturday between 10.00am to 1.00pm. Drop by for a car wash, catch
up with friends old and new and join us in making this meaningful event successful.

See you on Saturday!

Yours sincerely

Peiming
Organising Committee
Sailors’ Appeal: Fund Raising for Our Myanmar Friends