Aye-Aye Captain!

The winds are blowing strong for the Emerald Coast Special Olympics new sailing program. Athletes are learning water safety, the art of sailing and the thrill of competing. “I love it!” says special sailor Timmy Roddy. “I usually work the left jib sheet, but the rudder is my favorite.” Timmy, along with almost a dozen other athletes spends hours each weekend on the water.  Emerald Coast Special Olympics teamed up with Naval Air Station Pensacola to offer the new program. It is one of only a handful in the entire state of Florida. Every other weekend crews meet at Bayou Grande Marina or Pensacola Beach to set sail. Each athlete teams up with certified volunteers to form a crew. Then the crew hits the water. Together they navigate the struggles and challenges of life as well as the emerald waters of Pensacola Bay. To find out more, visit EmeraldCoastSO.org