COMO Cocoa Island’s idyllic sandy beaches and crystal clear waters provided the perfect backdrop for Tuesday’s outstanding community engagement program. The initiative, part of the COMO Journeys program, was designed in collaboration with world-renowned kiteboarder Youri Zoon. The event aimed to inspire and engage high school students from nearby Guraidhoo Island for a day full of learning, adventure and inspiration.
The morning session included a kitesurfing workshop on a picturesque sandbar. Under the expert guidance of Yuri Zuun, the 15-year-old participants learned the basics of kitesurfing. Yuri’s passion for the sport and outstanding skills made this workshop an unforgettable experience for the young participants.
Yuri Zuhn’s journey to becoming a world champion kiteboarder is a testament to his determination and resilience. Yuri, who started his kitesurfing career by building his own boards, won his first championship with this home-made board. Kiteboarding became his ultimate passion, offering unparalleled freedom. Despite missing two and a half years due to injury, Yuri’s determination to return to the sport never wavered. Now, he emphasizes the importance of learning while having fun and looks forward to seeing the young people he teaches become expert kiteboarders and eager to teach new tricks in the future. I am.
After an exhilarating workshop, the students enjoyed a pleasant lunch at Ufa Restaurant, enjoying conversation with Yuri. The session featured a video presentation highlighting Yuri’s journey and accomplishments in the kitesurfing world. His interactive Q&A segments allowed young people to connect with Yuri on a personal level and draw inspiration from his experiences.
Next, K. Gulideho School Principal Ahmed Mujtaba addressed the students and emphasized the importance of gratitude and overcoming obstacles to achieve success. He emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and discipline, derived from the story of Yuri as a prime example of overcoming challenges to achieve greatness.
The day ended with a special ceremony to recognize the enthusiasm and efforts of the participants during the workshop, where participants were presented with certificates. This moment was not only a celebration of their participation, but also of their potential and the promising future ahead.
COMO Cocoa Island plays an important role in promoting community involvement and supporting youth development through the COMO Journeys program. COMO Cocoa Island Rooms Director Abdullah Wissam spoke about the collaborative nature of the event and expressed his excitement for further engagement with the local community through the COMO Journeys program. He thanked the students and the principal for attending the event with Youri.
The event focused on increasing youth interest in sports, providing memorable joy and learning experiences, and fostering a fun and engaging environment. As the young people said goodbye to his COMO Cocoa Island, they left with unforgettable memories and new motivation to pursue their passions.
