Dozens of people with disabilities set sail for first time at Sacramento Deep Water Channel
SACRAMENTO – It was a day of conquering fears and overcoming odds at the Sacramento Deep Water Channel this weekend. People living with physical disabilities got an opportunity to feel the exhilaration of setting sail.
Life's limitations were off-limits on this special day at the Lake Washington Sailing Club.
Diane Ngo was one of the dozens setting sail for the first time.
"So just being on the water and feeling the ability to move around is just exciting," Ngo said.
Ngo is a polio survivor left disabled by the disease.
"So in terms of body control, it's hard to swim," Ngo said.
She joined this group with their wheelchairs and prosthetics to set sail on boats with the help of the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
"You know society tells us a lot of times they can't do things," Jim Tweet said.
Tweet is a member of the Lake Washington Sailing Club who helped make this day possible.
"We have people that sail with no upper arm or leg movement sail with a control, motor control like a wheelchair, that they hook onto their chin," Tweet said.
The boats for this day are specially built not to tip over. There have sails within hands reach.
Every new sailor was teamed up with a pro to show them the ropes.
"Anything that challenges me to go beyond my comfort zone is why I'm here," Ngo said.
This day on the water was a chance to get away from everyday confines and sail with a new sense of freedom.
The event was open to all ages, with the youngest sailor was just 11 years old.