6th Annual Adaptive Water Sports Festival Offers Wounded Warriors Opportunities To Water Ski, Scuba, Kayak, Fish and Sail

-- Injured Take to the Water for Rehabilitation and Recreation --

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, a partnership between Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled Sports USA, wounded service members from the ongoing conflicts overseas will have the opportunity to learn adaptive water skiing, scuba diving and other water sports as guests at the 2010 Adaptive Water Sports Festival.  Specially trained volunteers from the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) will be on hand to teach these sporting skills to those with amputations and other injuries. Activities for this year include water-skiing, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking and fishing. The Adaptive Water Sports Festival will take place in Rockaway Point (QUEENS), New York from July 8-11, 2010.

The Rockaway community was one of the hardest hit on Sept. 11, 2001 and ravaged again by the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 just two months later. Yet, the community proved resilient and responded with a surge of empathy, and charitable endeavors. Most notably, the Graybeards were formed, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need.

"This event is always one of the highlights of the year," stated Wounded Warrior Project Deputy Executive Director Al Giordano.  "A community effort on every level, it's an inspiration to everyone involved to see these brave warriors take to the water."

"We at Disabled Sports USA are proud to partner with Wounded Warrior Project and the Fire Department of New York, to provide the best opportunities possible for our wounded warriors to lead active lives through sports. At this event they will learn that they can still water ski, sail, kayak, scuba and fish, no matter what their injury," said Kirk Bauer, J.D. Executive Director of Disabled Sports USA and a disabled Vietnam veteran.

The weekend will kick off on July 8 at 4:45pm with the annual parade through Staten Island.

Wounded Warriors and key personnel from Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Sports USA and the Graybeards are available for comments and interviews. Photo opportunities are available but certain events require scheduling due to boat/water access.

2010 sponsors include: Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Sports USA, Graybeards, FDNY, BGC Partners, Inc, HUB Financial Charities, Anthem Life, Non Commissioned Officers Association, National Park Service/Gateway National Recreation Area, DEMA "Be A Diver", and Rockaway Point Yacht Club.  Staff from Northeast Passage, Team River Runner and STRIDE, Inc., chapters of Disabled Sports USA will teach adaptive waterskiing, kayaking and sailing. 

About Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project

The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project is a partnership between Disabled Sports USA, its chapters and the Wounded Warrior Project, providing year round sports programs for severely wounded service members from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict and the Global War on Terrorism. Over forty years of experience has shown early intervention with active sports results in successful rehabilitation, leading to employment. The "Wounded Warriors" and their family members are provided these opportunities free of charge, including transportation, lodging, adaptive equipment and individualized instruction in over a dozen different winter and summer sports. Programs take place at sites throughout the United States of America offering Wounded Warriors the opportunity to integrate as participants and mentors in their home communities.  

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors.  Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service members, to help severely injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, non-partisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

About Disabled Sports USA

Founded in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans, Disabled Sports USA provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to rebuild their lives through sports, recreation and educational programs. DS/USA is a national multi-sport, multi disability organization serving more than 60,000 youth and adults annually. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, DS/USA offers programs through its nationwide network of more than 100 community-based chapters operating in 38 states.  DS/USA is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign. CFC Number: 10151.  Visit www.dsusa.org

About The Graybeards

In the aftermath of the worst act of terrorism committed against the United States of America, September 11, 2001 and the devastating crash of American Airlines flight #587, a group of men in Rockaway Beach, who at the time were loosely tied together through a basketball league, known as the Graybeards, recognized the positive impact - they as a diversified group could offer the community and stood together to formally create a non-profit organization known as the "Graybeards".  In that spirit, we dedicate this organization's name and further declare our purpose to enhance our lives and the lives of others; to promote friendship and fellowship among its members; to hold meetings and have social gatherings for its members; to promote an interest in our community - to help those in the community in their time of need, to promote the development/education of the youth of the community and to promote a deeper appreciation of patriotism in the community.  Visit www.graybeards.com/

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project