Pupils enjoying a community programme got the chance of a lifetime to put to sea with a Bermuda Olympian sailor.

Cecilia Wollmann, who made history when she became the youngest Bermudian to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, met 20 pupils from the Endeavour Community Sailing programme.

Ms Wollmann was on the island to take part in an internship with financial services firm PwC, one of Endeavour’s sponsors.

She said: “I was keen to visit Endeavour and talk with their sailors.

“It was a lot of fun to meet the Endeavour sailors and get a chance to go out on the water with them. I look forward to seeing them again in the future.”

Endeavour graduate and Clearwater Middle School M2 pupil Diamond Spence added: “It was really exciting to meet Ceci and I enjoyed sailing the double-handed RS Feva with her.

“It was interesting to learn about her experiences and she shared some of her favourite memories on the water like when she was part of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Team BDA.”

Renée Greenslade, the programme co-ordinator, said: “Our Endeavour graduates were inspired to meet Ceci and learn more about her incredible achievements.

“It was heartening to hear her talk about the dedication and training that it takes to represent Bermuda at the highest of levels such as the Olympics, Pan Am Games and Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, and how she balances her rigorous academic requirements with sail training.”

Ms Greenslade added: “It was an amazing opportunity for our Endeavour graduates, many of whom were first exposed to sailing through the Endeavour middle school programme, to not only meet Ceci but also have the chance to go sailing.

“It’s not every day that you get to sail with an Olympian sailor.”

The Endeavour graduate programme offers an opportunity for pupils from its middle school scheme to continue to develop their skills and sailing knowledge at one of Endeavour’s forts in St George’s and Dockyard.

It also brings together young people from a variety of backgrounds.

Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s community engagement, development and partnerships manager, said: “We appreciate Ceci’s support of Endeavour and her time dedicated to share some of her incredible achievements with our sailors.

“She is an exceptionally positive role model for Bermuda’s young people and our Endeavour sailors were elated to have the opportunity to sail with her.

“Ceci first met some of our Endeavour grads last summer during a fun day of sailing with PwC Bermuda team members when she interned with PwC Bermuda, one of Endeavour’s amazing supporters. We extend our best wishes for her continued success.”

Ms Pitcher added: “We appreciate Endeavour’s valued donors and supporters who share our vision for an inspired, confident and engaged Bermuda youth with an appreciation for our waters and contagious excitement for learning and their future.

“We’re deeply grateful for PwC, BF&M and lead founding partner Orbis for their generosity and unwavering support of Endeavour that enables us to create a positive change in our community.”

• For more information, visit endeavour.bm