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| Photo by Chris Di Virgilio, PN Online |
Challenged
Sailors San Diego (CSSD) hosted members of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) for a two
day Sailing Clinic on September 11 and 12. Disabled sailors from the
San Diego area, Long Beach, Chicago, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
sailed San Diego Bay in CSSD's Martin 16s with our amazing CSSD
companion sailors.
All of the sailors (most sailing for the first time) loved the experience and pledged
to return, including Ernie Butler, Director of Sports and Recreation
for the PVA. In all 14 sailors with disabilities participated over the two days.
Visiting and assisting with the event were Al Kovach, President of PVA,
Peter Ballantyne, Executive Director of the Cal-Diego PVA Chapter and
Chris Di Virgilio the PVA's photojournalist from Arizona (who with his
service dog, Whitney, enjoyed time on the chase boat with
Bob Dillon).
Doug Shaw gave an introductory orientation to sailing basics and terminology on both days of the event.
PVA
and Cal-Diego PVA are the new sponsors of two of CSSD's boats, as
attested by their logos on two of our sails. This Sailing Clinic was a
celebration of this collaboration as well as the debut of the new sails
and logos.
After sailing, refreshments were provided by Golden Boy Mobility. The event was chaired for CSSD by Maria Arroyo who is also a
PVA member. Goody bags were provided to all participants.
Special thanks to all of CSSD's companion sailors and volunteers who made this event possible!
