Founder Mag-Daddy's Champion Page

It's not about me - It's about giving back!

Like so many other Olympians, I felt an urgent need to give back after Sydney 2000, so I founded Team Paradise Sailing in 2005. Helping others accomplish things they never dreamed possible is deeply rewarding. It is worth all the effort, and then some!

Programming we seek to support:

Youth Sailing: Introducing youth from under-resourced communities to Biscayne Bay through learn-to-sail activities, STEM education, mentorship, teamwork, and lifelong leadership skills. We provide access and opportunity to spark a passion for sailing and a love of Biscayne Bay! This format is based on my own experiences growing up in Sweden during the Summer months. It's a unique program that doesn't put pressure on individual children to perform. At first, it emphasizes water comfort and respect for the elements. Over time, as they observe others, the kids develop a desire to sail with their friends. Witnessing the transformation is amazing and a privilege.

70% of our students receive full scholarships. Many of them come from C.A.R.E. Elementary School, which is located in Overtown. Their student base is considered gifted and receives full scholarships to attend the school.  

Team Paradise (TPS), which provides bus transportation for all 24 program days each year at a cost of $350 per round trip. After each program day, we must be able to check off that we have accomplished our motto: Fun, Safe, Learning.  

What further sets us apart and makes us unique, in no particular order:

• We are the only accredited Community Sailing Program in Miami that is certified by the governing body of our sport, US Sailing

• Our volunteers include students from the University of Miami sailing team, the Ransom High School sailing team, and standout youth sailors who train at the US Sailing Center 

• Yours truly serves as the executive program director at TPS. I'm present every Saturday, both on and off the water

• Our detailed Safety Protocol

• TPS promotes the sport of sailing. Both our youth and adult sailing programs serve as feeder programs

Frontline Sailing: Team Paradise offers free sailing for US Veterans and First Responders on Thursdays and Sundays. We provide a welcoming place for camaraderie, collaboration, and hands-on skill-building in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The inaugural Guardian Cup is scheduled for November 22, 2026. The value for each participant in a corporate regatta setting is $500/each. For Frontline sailors, it's free. 

Therapeutic Sailing: SailWell Therapeutic Sailing excursions give individuals with neurodiversity and physical limitations the opportunity to experience sailing and explore Biscayne Bay. Our boats are adaptable to accommodate individuals with paraplegia. No one gets left behind! Unforgettable memories are made when we get together to sail on the Bay!