Vendée Globe: 102 children with heart attacks saved!
In November 2020, Samantha Davies took the start of the most legendary of sailing races: the Vendée Globe. In spite of damage, she was able to continue her round the world voyage in solidarity, and thanks to her, 102 children with heart problems from underprivileged countries will be able to be saved.
Despite a very good start, the vagaries of the ocean are unforgiving, and Sam paid the price after just 28 days at sea. Indeed, the boat Initiatives-Cœur (Unidentified Floating Object), causing damage to the keel. This was a major blow for the sailor, who regretfully had to withdraw from the race and head for Cape Town in South Africa, where the technical teams were waiting for her.
But it takes more than that to discourage Sam Davies! After 10 days of immobilizing the boat, and with the keel repaired, our kind-hearted sailor announced her intention to complete her non-racing round-the-world voyage with a single goal in mind: to save even more children from heart disease! It was a courageous decision that demonstrated her determination and courage. Sam finally arrived in Les Sables d'Olonnes on February 26 to a standing ovation from the waiting crowd, which included Junior and Marie-Désirée, who had recently undergone heart surgery.
The kids behind Sam
Throughout her journey, Sam was alone on her boat but very surrounded by our little operated hearts who encouraged her through videos, photos, drawings and many other attentions. All these messages boosted the motivation of the sailor who never gave up and showed a steely mind.
His greatest reward was to learn that 102 children with heart problems would be able to undergo heart surgery at the end of his round-the-world voyage. Sam showed his joy and pride by drawing a heart in the ocean with the boat's trajectory off Les Sables-d'Olonne on the eve of his arrival.
Glory Reine, 6 years old, Cameroon
Moïse, 5 years old, Burkina Faso
Junior, 6 and a half, Ivory Coast
Generosity at all times
102 children saved! We owe this fine result to Sam, to the 23,000 classes from primary school to high school who rallied together throughout the Vendée Globe to raise funds, as well as the boat's sponsors - K-Line, Initiatives and VINCI Energies - who have shown great generosity.
