The Challenge Project
A Ship and Mission for People with Disabilities
Post Office Box 511354
Milwaukee, WI 53203-0231
(414) 299-9741
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The Challenge ProjectA Ship and Mission for People with Disabilities
Post Office Box 511354
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Vision Statement:
To provide an opportunity for people with disabilities, of all ages and backgrounds, to experience an environment which inspires a sense of achievement, teamwork and confidence through working and sailing as crew members, of both disabled and able-bodied, in an educational setting.
Mission Statement:
To build a tall ship to serve the community of people with disabilities, whom we will bring together, assisting in active participation and contribution as part of a shipboard experience.
Objectives:
The goal for the Challenge is to give people with disabilities an opportunity to become totally involved in the sailing of a large, traditionally rigged vessel. The vessel will be safe and stable, accessible on and below deck and fitted with systems that will allow every crewmember an opportunity to experience as much as he or she possibly can. The focus will be on active participation and learning from sailing rather than learning to sail. All ages will be welcome, with or without sailing experience.
The Challenge will be a vehicle for continuing public awareness and recognition of the significant capabilities and untapped resources offered by individuals with disabilities. Crewmembers will be able to prove to one and all, that everyone has unrealized capabilities for higher levels of achievement. There are many positive aspects of encouraging individual involvement. It is our hope that the Challenge will provide an opportunity to advance the integration of persons with disabilities beyond society's stereotypes and ultimately acceptance into the mainstream.
Sailing from an area rich in shipping traditions, the Challenge Project's vessel will sail the waters of North America, offering programs tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. We encourage all those interested to contact us for more detailed information.
The Challenge Project summer sailing season has been an extraordinary success, with one sail remaining in October 2001. We have seen over 160 people come aboard the Wisconsin Lake Schooner Education Association's Denis Sullivan, three-quarters of whom have disabilities. All those that desired to become involved in setting and trimming sails, steering the vessel, coiling down lines, or clamoring past the stem and out to the very forward most tip of the jibboom did so, with much delight and enthusiasm. The crew of the Denis Sullivan was fantastic, guiding everyone towards maximizing their potential and helping us enjoy being aboard plus sailing the ship. This has been a very important season for the Challenge Project and to those that have participated for many reasons. We have all shown, through word of mouth, excellent TV coverage and reporting, and newspaper articles that sailing with and by people with disabilities truly is possible, and is an extraordinarily positive experience. Check out some snapshots of the summer 2001 Discovery Day Sails and see for yourself.
| Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 |
| Photo 4 | Photo 5 | Photo 6 |
The Challenge Project Inc., newly restructured and incorporated as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, is moving ahead with vigor, believing that the mission is vibrant and strong. We invite those of you who are interested in the Challenge Project to become involved, and assist in the perpetuation of this exciting project by utilizing your strengths and abilities. We would like to talk with you, and we encourage you to contact us with your observations, questions or with ways you feel we can spread the word to everyone in the U.S. and Canada about the importance of this project.
Next summer will see another series of sails, all aimed at making sure that people with disabilities are involved, participating on whatever level they are able, and that we remain in the public eye, thereby ensuring that everyone sees how important integration is to the mission of the Challenge Project.
We will be moving to a new site soon, so please bear with us and stay tuned in.
The Jubilee Sailing Trust of Southampton, Great Britain has built the Lord Nelson and the Tenacious, both of which sail the Atlantic with disabled and able-bodied crewmembers. These ships have made many successful voyages, providing individuals with disabilities an opportunity to move beyond societal limitations while experiencing pure exhilaration and accomplishment. For more information about the successes of these ships, visit their website.
It is important that everyone realizes the significant amount of financial resources that are needed to keep this program on track. By helping to fund this project, more people with disabilities will have an opportunity to experience a whole new world. Your pledge or donation is extremely important to us and to those we serve. Your tax-deductible contribution will go a long way towards helping this project achieve its objectives and fulfill its mission.
If you are interested in making a contribution to the Challenge Project, please write to P.O. Box 511354, Milwaukee, WI 53203-0231 or call (414) 299-9741. You may also e-mail us at ChallengeProject@excite.com.