Water Sports Festival Weekend For Disabled Military
Service Members A Success

New York, New York (July 12, 2006) - Last weekend, 31 recently disabled military service men and women along with family and friends participated in a Wounded Warriors Water Sports Festival organized by Disabled Sports USA. The troops were escorted by the New York City Fire and Police departments, making sure they were well supported on the event site. The soldiers and Marines were introduced to several adaptive sports (including sailing, scuba, fishing, waterskiing) by a number of volunteer guest coaches. US Disabled Sailing Team Coach Betsy Alison was on hand to lead the sailing portion of the weekend, supported by Rockaway Point Yacht Club members and the Park Services programs. The disabled military were excited to take the opportunity to sail on a variety of boats such as St. Judes, Ensigns, Catalina 22s and a Hobie 16. "They really enjoyed sailing, it was their first time for many of them," said Alison.

To end the weekend-long event, a friendly competition between military branches was held on Sunday. Air Force service member Matt Profitt took line honors over two Marine teams and was presented with a US Sailing Team hat by Coach Alison.