Schools Asked to Cheer Sean McGowan Across the Atlantic

Limerick oarsman Sean McGowan and the charity Soweto Connection announced their Shout Out for Sean appeal this week with a visit to Knockea School in Ballyneety. Sean plans to become the first Irishman to row across the Atlantic solo, starting in December of this year. In doing so he will raise enough money for Soweto Connection to build a centre for Aids victims in the Khayelitsha township in South Africa.

Sean visited Knockea School on Friday with his boat, Tess, in which he will make the epic voyage. Children in all the classes were excited to meet him and see the boat and had lots of questions for the oarsman about his journey. Some asked about the solar panels which power his communications. Others about the 1000 days of food supplies which he will carry with him in dehydrated packs. “What I don’t understand is why didn’t you get someone to help you?” asked one third class boy.

Like hundreds of other schools around Ireland, Knockea will be taking part in the Shout Out to Sean initiative to raise money for a new nutrition and education centre in one of the poorest townships in South Africa. They will complete specially designed curriculum sheets, raise some money, and even record a message of support to Sean. Messages from all the schools will be sent to Sean on his long solo journey and the children’s voices will be re-played hundreds of miles out in the ocean. Thanks to support from Limerick-based company Carambola who help families to eat right, move more, and think better, all money from the schoolchildren will go directly to South Africa with no overhead.

“We are very grateful to Carambola for their sponsorship of the schools pack”, said Soweto Conenction director, John Lannon. “They were a natural match, since their focus is also on giving kids a good start through nutrition. And with their help it means that every cent donated to the Shout Out to Sean fund will go straight to work, building the centre. You can see all the details on www.sowetoconnection.org.

Sean hopes to visit some more schools before the boat is shipped to The Canaries, the starting point for his long journey. Other schools who would like to take part in the Shout Out to Sean initiative are welcome to email john(at)sowetoconnection.org