Français
In June 2022, Lolie Osswald was just thirteen years old when she broke the record for the crossing between Antigua and Saint-Barthélemy aboard her Optimist. A solo feat lasting over 15 hours, it was a testament to the teenager's talent and self-sacrifice. Since then, Lolie has joined the French Sailing Federation's "Pôle Espoir" in La Rochelle, and has successfully completed a series of competitions. On March 8 and 9 in Saint-Raphaël, she took fourth place in the Ilca6 Mediterranean championship. But for the young sailor (now 16), passion and hard work will soon no longer be enough to achieve her goals and pursue her dreams. After the withdrawal of her main sponsor, Lolie Osswald is now looking for financial support.
Registration at the Pôle Espoir costs 3,000 euros, and then there's all the travel to competitions," explains Lolie. It's all very expensive. "Over the course of a year, the budget comes to over 10,000 euros. But without a sponsor, the contribution granted to the young athletes by the Collectivité territoriale alone is not enough to cover all their needs: registration fees for certain competitions, travel, accommodation, etc. While waiting to find one or more sponsors, Lolie and her mom Yolande have opened an online kitty(Cagnotte projet voile de Lolie Osswald, on Leetchi). The aim is to appeal to people of good will to support the young champion.
To be French champion in 2025
Last August, Lolie took second place at the French U23 championships in La Rochelle on an Ilca4. Since then, she has continued to make progress, working alongside the best female sailors at Pôle France. "I haven't yet joined the 'target' group of the strongest girls," explains Lolie, "but I'm starting to race with them at a much faster pace. "This week, she's taking part in the Europa Cup in Imperia, Italy, in Ilca 4 and 7. "If I can be French champion this year, I could take part in the Youth Olympics," she explains.
Aware that a high-level career is not for everyone, Lolie Osswald has taken care to ensure her back. As I wasn't very good at school, I took a CAP in beauty care," she explains. If I don't make it in sailing, at least I'll have something. "I'm the first at the Pôle to be in a vocational high school! ".
On the line, Lolie's mother insists: "She needs a little help. Otherwise, nine years of hard work and sacrifice will go up in smoke. Without help, she won't be able to take part in the World Cup. That would be a shame for her. "And for the island of Saint-Barthélemy, so well represented abroad by its sportsmen and women.
To help Lolie Osswald
An online kitty on Leetchi entitled "Cagnotte projet voiles de Lolie Osswald". You can also contact her sister by e-mail (cindybrin97@gmail.com).
