WORLD T. E. A. M. SPORTS ANNUAL REVIEW
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0FT [ 40 ° 48 ' 30.8 " N 72 ° 38 ' 34.9 " W ]
EVENT
COASTAL TEAM CHALLENGE
Traveling 20 nautical miles along Long Island, New York’ s southern coast, 11 developmentally-disabled athletes gained confidence in their physical fitness and athletic abilities during World T. E. A. M. Sports’ inspiring August 4-5 Coastal Team Challenge.
Paddling by hand and by foot with able-bodied companions in Hobie two-person Mirage Oasis kayaks, the disabled athletes from Long Island-partner Independent Group Home Living showed they can successfully complete athletic challenges. Crossing open water and paddling along the Atlantic Ocean sea lane between strategically-located rest stops on shore, the athletes battled brisk winds, tides and wakes from passing boats and ships along their coastal travels. Spending a night under the stars, camping on the sand at Smith Beach, the teams arrived safely at Patchogue the second afternoon for a gala post-event dinner and celebration of their accomplishment.
For the participating athletes with disabilities, the two-day journey offered an opportunity to encounter the outdoors on its terms and to successfully reach a planned destination, despite challenges that arose along the way. Fulfilling that goal was important not only for the athletes, but for their families, friends and colleagues.
The Challenge was the second in an annual series along the Atlantic coast, sponsored by New York’ s TimeCapital Investor Advisory Services and American Portfolios Financial Services.
PHOTO CAPTION: Developmentally-disabled athletes from New York’ s Independent Group Home Living teamed with able-bodied athletes to participate in the Coastal Team Challenge. Athletes traveled along the southern coast of Long Island in sea kayaks. Photographs by Van Brinson.
LONG ISLAND
ACTIVITIES:
DISTANCE:
DURATION:
MAP
Sea Kayaking 20 Nautical Miles
2 Days, 1 Night
PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPANTS 0 11 22
Able bodied Disabled
“ I am not sure who gets the most out of it, but I know all change for the better,” said Alex Rohman.“ We are so fortunate to be given the chance to spend two days with such incredible and inspiring athletes.”
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