Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (April 26, 2008) - Victor Mooney received the support from the American Embassy in the Dominican Republic for his mission. "We applaud your enthusiasm and initiative", said an official at the Embassy. Mooney was also given a recommendation that he will adhere to closely.
Upon evaluating the best re-supply route for "The Spirit of Zayed" in the Atlantic Ocean/ Caribbean Sea with locals (Dominican Republic Nationals) that have knowledge of the Mona Passage, it was determined that between the territorial waters of Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic should be considered for this action.
Alternatively, if Victor's support team suggests that he enters the Caribbean Sea at his earliest opportunity, then he will go through the Mona Passage at a point to be determined later for a re-supply.
Mooney and his family arrives back today from the Dominican Republic. (Photos)
Team Goree Challenge II is also in communication with an expert on the Gulf Stream that will advise Victor to either enter it from Florida/ Bahamas or cross it from Bermuda to New York.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (April 22, 2008) - At the Palacio Virreinal Museo Alcazar de Colon, South African Arts International´s Victor Mooney presented museum officials New York´s Governor David Patterson proclamation for Earth Day. Mooney also shared his new boat design to the officials as well.
From California, State Assemblymember Jared Huffman said, ¨I would like to personally recognize Doug Frolich and his dedication in making Mr. Victor Mooney’s courageous mission, Goree Challenge II, possible. By designing The Spirit of Zayed, you have played an integral role in what I hope will be a successful voyage.
From Maryland, Governor Martin O'Malley said, .."to quote a Native American proverb, we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. He added, I would also like to commend Maryland's own Martin Hardy as he constructs this historic vessel that will help to carry our society toward change."
At the end, Mooney and his family toured the historic museum. Mooney´s rowing uniform is designed by Sew Sporty.
Higuey, Dominican Republic, (April 21) Victor Mooney prayed at Santuraio Nacional Basilica Nuestra Senora de
¨Senora de
This Holy Sanctuary is the most special place for Dominicans to pray. Mooney´s family is also traveling with him. While driving back to Boca Chica, Mooney was also able to hear Pope Benedicts Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. Cardinal Eagan's remarks were also refreshing. For all people, The Holy Father's message was of Peace.
Unlike Mooney's homeade boat that sunk almost immediately after he left the coast of Dakar in May 2006, his new boat will be a world class vessel.
"For the faithful, Papal blessings last a life time", said Mooney from the New York Sports Club.
Albany, New York (April 18, 2008) - Victor Mooney, executive director of South African Arts International, Ltd. (USA) is in reciept of a proclamation from New York State Governor David Patterson for Earth Day.
Maryland's Governor Martin O'Malley has also sent a letter for Earth Day. Composite Yacht Design, the boat builder of "The Spirit of Zayed" is based in Trappe, Maryland. "It's wonderful when two great governors continue in advocating for our environment", said Mooney.
Boatbuilder gives life
to "The Spirit of Zayed"
Trappe, Maryland (April 17, 2008) - Composite Yacht, LLC is a family business continuing the rich tradition of boat building on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. They enjoy working closely with clients as they customize the boat that meets their specifications and appeals to their aesthetics.
Harbor Sales is sponsoring the marine grade plywood for "The Spirit of Zayed".
Naval Architect completes boat
plans for "The Spirit of Zayed"
Larkspur, California (April 17, 2008) - Doug Frolich, the principle Designer/ N.A. at Marshall Yacht Design Inc., and is a graduate of The Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology.
Canarsee Indian pays homage to
Mother Earth with solo row
Brooklyn, New York (April 17, 2008)- Victor Mooney, a Carnarsee Indian by lineage, also shares the history of his tribe. All land titles in the greater part of Brooklyn came from the Canarsees. They held what is now Kings County and shore of Jamaica Bay. Four of their chieftans signed the Confirmatory Grant of Gravesend in 1684. Five Canarsee Sachems signed the Grant for Bedford Village in 1670.
GM Wins 1st Green Leaf Award
at New York Auto Show
New York City, New York (March 30, 2008) - At The New York International Auto Show that was held in the Jacob Javits Convention Centre, General Motors was recognized for their commitment in reducing greenhouse gases and smog-forming pollutants in their automobiles.
The 2009 Green Leaf Award was recieved by Tamara Dilliard, a representative of General Motors. Victor Mooney looks to tow his new boat, "The Spirit of Zayed" from Maryland to New York with a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.
Goree Challenge II website viewers will be encourage to "test drive" a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid in the USA and visit General Motor Dealerships worldwide during Mooney's mission across the Atlantic Ocean and the Arabian Sea. (Click here for more photos)
Just Build It!
(February 9, 2008) Brooklyn, New York - American AIDS Activist, Victor Mooney continues his quest to make a second attempt row across the Atlantic Ocean for the global awareness of AIDS. He plans to seek the support from a naval architect, professional boatbuilder, marine electrician, marine manufactures/ suppliers and donors to get an oceanrowboat built. "With God at the helm...I'll be ready in December to row the Atlantic", said Victor Mooney.
Victor Mooney, also a Carnarsee Indian of Brooklyn by lineage, recieves "Sacred Native American" items for his first attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
(February 6, 2008) Mashantucket, Connecticut
Prayer Pipe Ceremony at Foxwoods
(February 6, 2008) Mashantucket, Connecticut - "In respect to the Great Spirit of our Ancestors, The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation - Chairman Thomas,Tribal Council, Elders and in particular Laughing Woman, my full intentions on Tribal Land can't move against the direction of the wind. I await the opportunity to rejoin this ceremony."
Victor Mooney
At this historic cottage, Victor drew an analogy between the Gullah people that have kept their African Heritage intact and the late Sheikh Zayed of the United Arab Emirates. With the revenue from oil growing and the modernization of country, Sheikh Zayed was adamant that his people don't forget their culture and history.
"The most valued lesson learned from sleeping in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Retreat House", was to rest, rejuvenate and let God guide you", said Victor Mooney. For more, click here.
Photo inside the "Retreat House" at Penn Center.
(December 15, 2007) New York, New York - This is a ocean rowboat we would like to purchase in the next six weeks. This vessel has made two successful crossings of The Atlantic Ocean. The boat is stored in the United Kingdom. It's also ready for transport to Africa.
Arabic, French, Portuguese, Espanol,Wolof, German, Chinese, Russian, Italiano, Dutch, India
(December 1, 2007) Brooklyn, New York - "I'll keep my promise and row "The Spirit of Zayed" to The Brooklyn Bridge. Sometimes you fail, perhaps more than you wish, so I take it as a lesson learned. I have wiped the dust off my oars and I'm rowing on, said Victor Mooney."
On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2007, Victor Mooney, 43, of Queens, New York (USA) just didn't have the resources to begin his second attempt to row across The Atlantic Ocean.
Mooney is determine to find "Mission Partners" for Goree Challenge II - The Spirit of Zayed within sixty days. Mooney will start from Goree Island, Senegal and cross to The Caribbean (3,000 miles/ 90 days); thereafter, he will head North to The Brooklyn Bridge, New York (5,000 miles/ 120 days).
An Open Letter to The United Arab Emirates Embassy in United States of America.
French
Italiano
German
Arabic
Chinese
Russian
Portuguese
Espanol
(November 19, 2007) New York City, New York -Mayor of New York City, Mike Bloomberg and "Save a Cap to Save a Life" campaign at City Hall.
(November 19, 2007) New York City, New York -
MY9 News covers the Press Conference at City Hall today.
(November 19, 2007) New York City, New York - The Islamic Leadership School, join Victor Mooney and New York City Councilman Robert Jackson (Chairman of the Education Committee) to launch "Save a Cap to Save a Life" campaign at City Hall.
(November 19, 2007) Brooklyn, New York - Mr. Luis Torres delivered some Snapple for today's launch of "Save a Cap to Save a Life" campaign. More pictures(click here).
(November 1, 2007) Washington, DC - In a historic first, Victor Mooney recieved support from The Executive and Legislative Branch of The United States of America Government for Goree Challenge II - The Spirit of Zayed.
Carrying his oars, Congressional Staffers whisked Victor Mooney "underground" the Capital so Congressional members could sign his oars. Congressman John Lewis and Congressman Artur Davis shared spiritual words of support. Mooney ended his day at The White House where officials were waiting for him.
"May God be with you back & front"
Congressman Gregory Meeks
"God's Strength for your Journey"
"Thank-you for your life-saving venture"
"We all are so very proud of you"
"You have the spirit of the ancestors - no one
will form a weapon against God's Blessings"
"God's Bless you for your generous sacrifice of time, energy to help eradicate HIV-AIDS"
"All the best wishes, Good Luck, God Speed,
see you at The Brooklyn Bridge"
"God Speed. This is a great effort for people"
"All the best"
