NORFOLK, Va. — Special Olympians are learning the ropes of sailing at Old Dominion University's Sailing Center, and they're gearing up for a competition this weekend.
The local chapter of Special Olympics Virginia holds its sailing program at the ODU Sailing Center. Now in its second year, the program pairs Special Olympians with student volunteers, including members of Maury High School's Sailing Team.
Lenox Wakefield, a Maury High sailor, said the experience is about more than just the sport.
"It's just about being something bigger than yourself, and I love being able to share something that I love with people that have never been able to experience that," Wakefield said.
Special Olympian Kaitlin Dykes, who has previously competed in basketball, soccer, and softball, is now adding sailing to her athletic resume. She said the program offers more than just time on the water.
"Probably get to hang out and make new friends, and learn new skills," Dykes said.
Wakefield said one of the biggest hurdles for new sailors is the language of the sport.
"I mean, honestly, the thing that I think is the most difficult about sailing is just the terminology, the vocabulary," Wakefield said.
Jacob Raymond, one of the program's key organizers and coaches, said the goal goes well beyond recreation.
"This is much more than just having fun in a boat ride. We really prioritize that our athletes are learning the sport of sailing as well as working together as a team, as well as truly becoming part of this inclusive community," Raymond said.
Raymond said the program would not be possible without support from ODU.
"We certainly couldn't do it without ODU Varsity sailing. They've allowed us to use the fleet and facility free of charge, and we're able to call this place home, and this program would not exist without their generosity," Raymond said.
Wakefield said the summer commitment is one her teammates are happy to make.
"It gives a lot of my teammates and I an opportunity to come out in the summer and share something that we love. It gives us an opportunity to practice and then it also just gives us an opportunity to grow the community," Wakefield said.
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