During Candy’s early years, her father’s adventurous nature had a great effect on her development into a lively tomboy. Their relationship was like a quilt made of outdoor escapades and shared moments of sporting triumphs, creating a childhood filled with joy, laughter, and a deep connection nurtured by the thrill of exploration. However, at the tender age of 9, the vibrant canvas of Candy’s world underwent an abrupt and heart-wrenching transformation. The harmonious melody of their adventures was disrupted when her father succumbed to the clutches of cancer. This unexpected and devastating loss left Candy and her family caught in the grip of grief, confronting a turning reality that demanded resilience and adaptation.
As Candy and her family experienced this life-altering chapter, they embarked on a collective journey of adaptation, weaving the threads of grief into the fabric of their existence. Candy’s childhood, once defined by the exuberance of her father’s presence, became a landscape of both heartache and growth, as she navigated the intricate terrain of loss with courage and determination.
Candy’s life takes another jumping turn as she gracefully steps into a new chapter amidst the serene landscapes of Sebaka Game Reserve. Against the backdrop of sprawling wilderness, Candy not only embraces the responsibilities of animal care but also immerses herself in the nuances of farm life, cultivating a deep connection with the earth beneath her feet. In an exclusive talk, Candy reflects on this transformative period, recounting how Sebaka became not just a geographical location but a crucible of life lessons and personal growth. “The reserve became my sanctuary,” she shares with a wistful smile, “a canvas where I painted my life of resilience and discovered the beauty of harmony between humanity and nature.”
A pivotal figure in Candy’s journey emerges in the form of her stepdad, Pete, who, with time, transforms into a much-loved and central figure in her life. The interview takes a tender turn as Candy fondly recalls the warmth and wisdom Pete brought into their lives. “Pete became the anchor in our family, his love for the land, and the animals, and his unwavering support strengthened our bond.” she reflects.
Her love for flying becomes prominent, a passion that takes flight in the vast expanse of the sky. Candy’s eyes light up in the conversation as she describes the sensation of freedom, the feeling of being untethered from earthly concerns, and the boundless possibilities ahead. “Flying was my escape, a dance with the clouds that mirrored the freedom I sought in every aspect of my life.” she muses.
However, life takes an emotional turn as it unfolds the untimely loss of her stepdad, a transitioning chapter that leaves a void in Candy’s heart. The talk becomes a canvas of emotions as she navigates through the heart-wrenching moments, expressing both the pain of loss and gratitude for Pete’s profound impact on her life. “The loss of Pete was a storm that swept through our lives,” her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and reverence, “but his legacy lives on in every sunrise over Sebaka and in the lessons he taught me about resilience, love, and the beauty of embracing the journey, no matter how unpredictable.” Candy recollects.
In the course of our conversation, Candy opens up about the myriad challenges she encountered, from facing bullying and financial struggles to the heartbreaking loss of a cherished life on the farm. Undaunted by these adversities, she steadfastly pursued her dual passions for sports and flying. Candy shares the compelling journey that unfolds across diverse landscapes, from the shores of Mauritius to the dynamic cityscape of Dubai and the genesis of Pirates Surf Rescue.
Candice Fanucci founded Pirates Surf Rescue Sports Academy LLC. Known for her indomitable spirit and inspiring journey. Candy has carved her path through a life filled with challenges and triumphs. Pirates Surf Rescue Academy began in Dubai in 2010. Candy shared with us about the inspiration behind it and how it has evolved into the world’s most diverse lifestyle academy, “Pirates Surf Rescue Academy was born out of my desire to create a program that reflected the values I had learned through my own athletic and personal experiences. As a competitive athlete from a young age, earning national colours in swimming, hockey, and tack, I faced a significant challenge when a spine replacement operation at 33 threatened to end my running days. However, two years later, I represented the Arabian Gulf in women’s Rugby”.
“My journey, particularly overcoming physical challenges, fueled my determination to inspire others. I started teaching small groups on the beach in a non-traditional setup, fostering a community that evolved into Pirates Surf Rescue. It became a diverse and unique lifestyle academy that embraces the values of resilience, community, and empowerment.” She proudly shared her impressive personal journey that shapes the unique setup of teaching small groups on the beach.
When we asked about the challenges she faced, especially in founding Pirates Surf Rescue in Dubai, “From sweeping streets on Kite Beach to creating the UAE’s largest and most powerful children’s sports community, I have used all adversities and heartaches to overcome every hurdle make a difference to the families of the UAE and put Dubai on the map.
Kite Beach became my home in 2009 where my dream was to build the world’s best sporting beach in honour of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid. Googling how to lay cables, install DB boxes, plant grass on the beach, sweep streets, pick up cigarette butts, and build the world’s best sporting academy were all part of her daily duties.” she answered.
Pirates are growing from strength to strength and crossing shores soon. Her method, the Pirates method, has been recognized worldwide. From the early days of training 6 kids at Kite Beach, to running a program through more than 1,600 kids, has created a unique community. Her journey hasn’t ended. Every day is a new challenge to keep herself abreast of any new development in the coaching community to incorporate it into her dynamic coaching method. Pirates is a living model.
Candy designed and built Xparkjr based on Sebaka which was Dubai’s first natural playscape for children. Then the project managed the world’s longest urban zipline in the world with XDUBAI. Candy’s journey is indeed evidence of the strength of the human spirit. Talking about the message she wants to convey to the readers, she emphasized, “As a mother, mentor, and friend, I want people to understand that nothing is impossible. Regardless of the challenges life throws at you, resilience, kindness, and a refusal to give up can lead to remarkable achievements. Whether as a mother, mentor, or friend, my journey is a reminder that we all have the power to make a lasting impact on the lives we touch.”
