Wealth Management Institute from Adamstown, Maryland Help Coach Developmentally Disabled Students at the Adventure Team Challenge in New York
Adamstown, MD (PRWEB) September 23, 2016 -- National non-profit World T.E.A.M. Sports’ popular Adventure Team Challenge New York returned to the grounds of The Center for Discovery September 8th & 9th. Bringing together teams of developmentally-disabled athletes and able-bodied coaches, the annual outdoor sporting event featured bicycling, water sports, mountain climbing, geocaching, and a multi-activity obstacle course. Wealth Management Institute’s Executive Director, Cameron Bell, was one of the coaches that volunteered at the Adventure Team Challenge. Wealth Management Institute, Ltd is a registered investment advisory firm headquartered In Adamstown, MD.
“This was such an amazing experience to me,” says Cameron. “I have never been around such dedicated, determined, and loving individuals as The Center for Discovery Staff. Each and every one truly care deeply about the athletes. Even though many of the athletes couldn’t speak, you can see the close bond they have developed with their coaches. For me, communicating with the athletes and seeing them respond was especially moving.”
With 78 participating athletes and coaches, the 2016 Challenge included 32 adaptive athletes from the non-profit Center for Discovery’s residence homes. Many of these athletes had not previously participated in outdoor sporting activities, so assistance and support from the coaching team was invaluable. Coaches included staff from The Center for Discovery, employees from American Portfolios Financial Services, and skilled athletes who have participated in other inclusive World T.E.A.M. Sports sporting events.
American Portfolios’ Chairman Lon Dolber created the New York event following his participation in World T.E.A.M. Sports’ 2008 Real Deal Inclusive Sports Adventure in Colorado’s high mountains. In the six years since its inaugural 2010 running, more than 120 developmentally-disabled athletes have participated in New York. While the adaptive athletes greatly benefit from completing the three stages of the Challenge, the coaches also gain an appreciation of the exceptional dedication of the athletes and their drive for success. In addition, the athletes’ enthusiasm creates an enjoyable and supportive atmosphere that will be remembered by all participants long after the Challenge is completed.
Although most athletes competed in all stages of the two-day event, this year, four adaptive athletes concentrated on another goal. In the early morning hours of September 9th, they traveled 34 miles northeast into the Catskill Mountains. With support and guidance from coaches, they trekked on foot to gain nearly 1,900 feet in the three mile climb of Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills with an elevation of 4,190 feet.
For athletes and coaches not climbing Slide Mountain, they traveled to The Town of Fallsburg’s Morningside Park for the annual Regatta Challenge. Teams will use canoes and paddleboats to complete a water sports stage on Morningside Lake.
In addition to the sporting activities, many athletes camp the evening of September 8th on the grounds of The Center for Discovery. Participants enjoyed an outdoor dinner and a musical concert before retiring to their tents for the night.
About The Center for Discovery:
The Center for Discovery is a Harris, New York-based community of care that enables and encourages people with disabilities by attending to all the aspects of a productive, meaningful, and happy life, by creating a model of an inclusive and welcoming place to belong that supports the well-being of all its members, enriches the regional economy, creates valued work opportunities on Main Street and safeguards and enriches the health and well-being of individuals and the land that sustains us.
Josh Zoldan, Wealth Management Institute, Ltd., http://www.wealthmanagementpro.com, +1 301-926-7276, [email protected]
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