What People Say …

“I was quite amazed to find sailing was something that not only could be done by someone severely disabled, all alone, but that the disabled person could compete with able-bodied people in sailing competitions.”

“I wasn't feeling well and I didn't know if I would even go to the first meeting to find out about it, but as the summer progressed, I was glad that I had. Sailing allows me to leave my problems at the dock and requires all of my attention because it's so immediate you have to be involved. That makes me feel good and I know it's good for me.”

“I was surprised at how much I learned about myself in competition. It was frustrating and difficult to keep my attitude together after I'd made some mistakes. Even though I wanted to, I couldn't just paddle to catch up. Sailing required me to be sensitive to and deal with what's there.”

“I think it is the only sport that I know of where I can aspire to go as high as I'm motivated. I can sail with Olympic class sailors if I choose.”

“I used to sail and I loved it, but I'd given it up when my health deteriorated thought it was out of the picture. At best, I thought I might be able to go for a ride and hold on to a sheet (rope) if I was lucky. Then I saw this little ad in the (Calgary) Sun, and I called the number. This boat and this program has put sailing back within my grasp. It's great, and I think it's great for all Calgarians in my situation.”

“I couldn't believe that someone like Larry (Boden, a high level quadriplegic), who needs assistance to get in and out of bed, eat, and do almost anything can sail on his own and sail well! (he beat me).”

“I really enjoyed the (Glenmore Sailing) Club atmosphere. It is great to be able to associate as part of the “normal world” and I find the members open and accepting and some of them are such characters too!  It gives us all a chance to express who we really are.”

“I just want to say thanks to the DSA et al for giving me something to look forward to and enjoy in the summer, when I thought enjoying anything outdoors was gone forever.”

“Out on a boat when I'm on the water makes me feel that I can do anything anyone else can do. Some people can't even sail. It makes me feel good about myself to know I can do this.”
- Jim

“The staff at DSA is very good. They provide a fun activity to those who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity. Being on the water is very calming and peaceful.” 
-  Lynne, Calgary Community Living Assoc.

“Here I can do things other people do. In the boats, I'm'no different than the other sailors.”
- Karen

“Sailing provides such a sense of freedom for our son. He couldn't stop talking about it when he was finished.”
- Parent of a participant

“I volunteer at DSA 1-3 times per week. The free sailing sessions for volunteers are a great idea, but I would still volunteer without them.”
- Michael Henry, volunteer

“The fact that our son could sail on his own made him feel the same as everyone else. The staff were great, providing him with a sense of safety and security. He was so proud!”
- Parent of a participant