AN NGO WHERE SPORT PLAYS THE MAIN ROLE

In 2005, the magazine Surfer's Path published an article about Favela Surf Clube in Favela do Cantagalo
in Rio de Janeiro. Alexandre Rascunho and Roberto Me founded the surf club to give kids a safe haven
and an alternative to drugs and crime, the possibility of a better life. Just like Alexandre and Roberto, Erik
Lau wanted to make use of the positive spirit and energy that surrounds sports and use it for a good
cause.

Two years later, Sandshoe was founded with the purpose of improving children's rights to an education
in developing countries by assisting the efforts and projects of local NGOs with financial support and
knowledge. With sports as the core, Sandshoe develops experience-based ways to link those who want
to make a contribution to those in need, so as to achieve our purpose.

Combine development work with an active holiday

The trend of socially responsible holidays has grown as people’s willingness to aid each other has
increased. Two international organisations that offer volunteer trips are Earthwatch and i-to-i. However,
Sandshoe takes the concept of combining business with pleasure one step further. In cooperation with
local NGOs, Sandshoe offers a self-developing experience that combines social work in a development
project with guided sport activities.

Each Sandshoe-holiday is connected to and assists a specific project which means you get the chance
to make a difference firsthand and see your support end up where it is intended. To further promote the
destination and community, all services are connected to the local economy. An important part of the
Sandshoe-holiday is close interaction with the local residents and cultural exchanges, for all parties. It
should be a platform where an active participation is likely to provide a greater understanding of cultural
differences which we believe is extremely important in today's global society.

Las Tunas and surfing

The first destination for the Sandshoe-holidays is the small village Las Tunas on the south coast of
Ecuador. Here Sandshoe collaborates with the local NGO Fundación Reto Internacional in developing
holiday packages with the purpose of improving the English skills of local children and the teachers. The
participant will teach English independently or as an assistant for two to three hours on weekdays. The
rest of the time can be spent surfing the high-class surf spots of Ruta del Sol with a local surf guide or
exploring the local surroundings and Ecuador on your own. Sandshoe focuses on supporting the school
13 de Diciembre so to improve the conditions for its students.

Sandshoe is aware of the importance of tourism for many in developing countries. But we are also aware
that tourism has both good and bad effects, often without the travellers thinking about it. Our aim is to
offer a socially responsible holiday package in all perspectives. We continuously work on identifying the
footprints we leave behind and what measures to take so as to eliminate them. It is nevertheless not
sufficient with the standpoint and actions of Sandshoe. All travellers have to take responsibility for their
own actions. Schyst resande emphasises the social and economic flip-side of tourism and gives tips on
how you can travel in a responsible way.

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Paddle for Sandshoe
In collaboration with Bockholmen Hav & Restaurang, we arrange a paddle race with any watercraft
around Bockholmen to raise money for Sandshoe and the projects we support. It is an event in true
Sandshoe-spirit, with sport as the core bringing together those who want to make a difference for those
who need help.

Links
Favela Surf Clube – http://favelasurfclube.org.br
Earthwatch – http://www.earthwatch.org
i-to-i – http://www.i-to-i.com
Fundación Reto Internacional – http://www.fundacionretointernacional.org.ec
Schyst resande – http://www.schystresande.se
Bockholmen Hav & Restaurang – http://www.bockholmen.com

Contact
For photos, visit – http://www.flickr.com/photos/48724733@N03
For more information, contact:

Erik Lau - chairman

Sandshoe
Box 19136
104 32 Stockholm

Telephone: 08-55113180
Fax: 08-55113180
Mobile: 070-8220882
E-mail: erik@sandshoe.org