Empty wheelchairs, folded walkers and abandoned canes cluttered the dock.
“Red and white canes were strewn all over the grass. There might as well have been a sign: Disabilities left behind. Gone racing!!!”
This quote from 48th North (July 2003) almost says it all about this remarkable organization and its members & participants. You may have seen them on Lake Washington, run into them on the docks of Blake Island, or you may have been one of the volunteer members without whom this very special sailing club could not function: Members of Seattle’s Footloose Sailing Association are either physically handicapped or willing to be part of the team which accomplishes the almost unimaginable, namely allowing wheelchair-bound or otherwise mobility-impaired individuals to get into appropriately equipped boats and sail out of Leschi on Lake Washington. Their Mission Statement is even more inclusive:
Footloose Sailing Association offers sailing as a recreational and therapeutic outlet to adults and children of all disabilities. We are dedicated to bringing independence on the water and competence in the sport of sailing.
Launched in 1991, founder and past president Bob Ewing [himself an incredibly mobile, wheel-chair-dependent C(ervical) 6/7 quad(raplegic)] has created an admirable feat through years of dedicated physical and promotional, including fund-raising, work.
The Association now owns a fleet of eight sailboats which are designed for safe and fun sailing and can accommodate a wide range of disabled people. There are eight scheduled sail days during the summer beginning after Opening Day and the launching and cleaning of the boats, in addition to social and fund-raising events and a number of special occasions, most importantly the annual cruise to Blake Island on the weekend after July 4th. This popular adventure (which is particularly dependent on volunteers and volunteer boats) includes the sail from Elliot Bay Marina to Blake Island on Saturday and the return sail on Sunday, an (optional) dinner and show at Tillicum Village and a variety of activities includung a beach-side marshmallow roast.
Have a look at the pictures on the Web site and study the other pages including the page describing the volunteer opportunities!
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