Ryan and Denzel, who live in Woburn House II, were awarded a silver medal at the Annual Special Olympics Massachusetts Sailing Regatta on Saturday, August 7th at Community Boating on the Charles River.
The regatta was the culmination of several months of weekly lessons through Courageous Sailing as members of a Unified Sports team. Ryan and Denzel learned to be active in the boats and help set up and break down sails and assist the skipper. During the race, they listened to the skipper’s directions and adjusted the jib sail as they rounded the marks. They needed to spot the next mark for the skipper and use their strength to pull in the jib lines. Paying attention to the skipper so they know when to adjust sail is also part of their job on the boat.
Ryan and Denzel participated in three races and their team was called “Speed Racers.”
Ryan’s mother Dodie said, “We are very grateful to Courageous Sailing for providing us this access. We are so proud of Ryan and Denzel for their increase in boat knowledge, boat set up and break down, and racing abilities. They overcame waking up early, extreme heat and mugginess to win a Silver medal!! Hurray to our athletes!”
Kenn Sovie, a Woburn resident, and his daughter Maddie have also been volunteering for the sailing program.