Gerran Nottage, CEO of My Own Water Sports distributing supplies during Back To School Splash in Nassau Village.
Parents and students in the Nassau Village community got a much-needed boost just in time for the new school year. During the first ever Back To School Splash, hosted by local tour company My Own Water Sports, some 50 kids received backpacks, school supplies and free haircuts while enjoying music, pizza and ice cream.
My Own Water Sports CEO, Gerran Nottage grew up in Nassau Village. His father, Clifford Nottage, also ran the family business Paradise Ocean Sports in the immediate area. The business owner realized that even though the new school year is typically an exciting time, for families with limited resources preparing for back to school is challenging. Several years ago he began making personal donations to area residents before launching an official company initiative this year.
"Nassau Village is an area that I know. I understand what can happen when children aren't given the right opportunities or the right tools to succeed. They can fall through the cracks and that's when we see a lot of potential wasted especially in our inner city communities," said the licensed boat captain who holds a Master Tech certificate in marine motors from the Marine Mechanics Institute in Orlando, Florida. The businessman has worked in the motor sports industry for more than 13 years and began is own company in 2009.
"I was fortunate enough to be able to follow the dreams that I had growing up. It's important that persons who have achieved their goals commit to providing similar opportunities for those in need."
In the future, the company plans to offer scholarships in marine studies to underprivileged children through its non-profit arm My Own Foundation. Nottage also confirmed that his company will continue to host the Back To School Splash event in the coming years.
To learn more about My Own Water Sports and how you can support its scholarship program, email info@myownwatersports.com. Stay updated on the latest community outreach efforts by following them on Instagram @myownwatersports.com and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MyOwnWaterSports.
Kids receiving backpacks and supplies from My Own Water Sports CEO Gerran Nottage at Back To School Splash in Nassau Village.
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