World T.E.A.M Sports & Independent Group Home Living (IGHL) -- 2nd Annual Coastal Team Challenge a Success!

A 22 mile, two-day kayak trip featuring 11 coaches and 11 developmentally-disabled and physically-challenged athletes from Independent Group Home Living (IGHL) completed a 2-day kayaking adventure that left Westhampton Beach on Tuesday, August 4 with an overnight stay in Smith Point and concluded Wednesday, August 5 in Bellport, NY.

The awards ceremony and BBQ celebration were held at the Village of Patchogue Beach Club where competitors were recognized with medals and certificates. The Long Island Band, “Hot Peaz & Butter, performed.

Independent Group Home Living Program(IGHL) provides programs, services and support for people with intellectual disabilities so they can realize their full potential as human beings and contributing members of their community. This is the second year they have partnered with World T.E.A.M Sports, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that uses athletics to challenge disabled men, women and children to accomplish goals they never thought possible.

“Coastal Team Challenge allows the athletes from IGHL to participate in a team environment in a non-competitive event that allows them to push their boundaries and it allows us to change the perception of people with disabilities,” says Van Brinson, CEO, World T.E.A.M Sports.

American Portfolios and Time Capital, who sponsored the event, helped organize this 2nd Annual Coastal Team Challenge. The event showcases the athletic capabilities and determination of disabled athletes as well as team work.

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Photos by: Dr. Barbara Carey/Shaw and Michael Gerien.

Photo #4: Walter Stockton, CEO, IGHL; Maria Giustizia-Hilton, Dir of Recreation & Parks for Village of Patchoque, Mayor of Village of Patchogue, Paul Pontieri & Chairman, IGHL Board of Directors.