Guiding two-person Hobie Mirage Oasis kayaks through Long Island ’ s sometimes challenging coastal sea lane , the athletes were teamed with 16 able-bodied coaches . The design of these kayaks allows for athletes to either paddle by hand or pedal by foot . Making land fall for rest stops and meals , and camping overnight on the beach at Smith Point , this was the first water sports event for many of these adaptive athletes .
“ Paddling for two days across the Great South Bay , tackling on whatever challenges encountered , and working through them together as a team , we were able to complete this two-day event ,” said George Taborsky , a Challenge co-director . A regular Face of America rider and a volunteer at events such as Adventure Team Challenge New York , Taborsky , who is quadriplegic , helped direct the event by kayak with co-director Alex Rohman during the coastal journey .
Sponsored by TimeCapital Investor Advisory Services and American Portfolios Financial Services , Challenge athletes include civilians of all ages and backgrounds . Off the coast , the adaptive and able-bodied athletes experienced rising and lowering tides , fast-moving summer rain showers and wakes from passing boats
and large ocean-going ships headed to and from New York ’ s busy harbor .
Arriving at East Moriches on the afternoon of August 3 , the athletes were met by friends , family and colleagues . Together , they celebrated their remarkable achievement with a gala dinner and post-event party at the Water ’ s Edge restaurant .
“ All were excited , and that ’ s what events like these are all about !” said Therese Martin , Independent Group Home Living ’ s Recreation Coordinator . She reported that many athletes told her afterward they greatly enjoyed the Challenge and excitedly looked forward to future events .
9WORLD T . E . A . M . SPORTS ANNUAL REVIEW EXPEDITION