WORLD T . E . A . M . SPORTS ANNUAL REVIEW
20 15
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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