About Special Olympics
Charleston Community Sailing Inc. and Special Olympics South Carolina launched the first ever South Carolina Special Olympics Sailing team in the Spring of 2005. Our athletes compete in regional events spanning the south east- and hopefully soon the whole country and maybe even the WORLD. Practices are held primarily on weekends in the fall and spring, athletes learn sailing nomenclature, sail theory, racing strategy and work on boat handling. This program is free of cost to athletes and Unified Partners. Since the program’s inception, we have doubled our number of athletes and look to keep on growing! Athletes need not have prior experience with sailing- our coaching staff is happy to bring virtually any perspective sailor up to speed.
Most of our athletes compete with a well qualified Unified Partner in the boat. All practices are run in a safe and professional manner, maximizing on fun and education. This program, as with many of our other programs is constantly in need of volunteers, so if you or someone you know would like to get involved in Special Olympics “Team Charleston” or would like to become an athlete, please email us here!
Thanks to all that have already volunteered their time (and boats) to help support this program, a special thanks to the members and management of James Island Yacht Club for opening their arms to fostering this program.
With the help of the community, South Carolina’s Special Olympic Sailing Team can become world class!
Special Olympic Schedule 2008
CCSI is looking for dedicated volunteers to become “Unified Partners” on our SC Special Olympics Sailing Team. Unified Partners will pair up and train with one of our special athletes, you will be required to attend all training / practices that your partner does and you and your partner will compete in our regional event at James Island Yacht Club.
To become a Unified Partner you must be able to single hand a Collegiate 420 if need be, and be very comfortable in the dinghy. Although you and your parnter will be under the supervision of our coaching staff, you will have a major part in teaching your partner what they need to know. Good candidates should be patient, calm and above all be ableto have a GOOD TIME.
We are also looking for more athletes: if you or someone you know would like to become an athlete, contact CCSI via phone or e-mail. Candidates must be strong swimmers with no reservations about open water. No sailing experience necessary. All practices will be held at Charleston Community Sailing & James Island Yacht Club.
2009 Dates: TBD
