SHAKE-A-LEG’S
WALL STREET AND CORPORATE CHALLENGE CUP
Business Executives Raise Money, Break From Jobs to Sail for
Shake-A-Leg
NEWPORT, R.I. (June 25, 2002) –
The Wall Street and Corporate Challenge Cup
(WSCCC) returns to the legendary waters off Newport, R.I.
this July 12-13(corrected dates)
for two unforgettable days of racing aboard the legendary
America’s Cup 12 Meter yachts. Now in its 11th year,
the WSCCC proceeds support Shake-A-Leg-Newport’s various
programs for people with spinal cord injuries and nervous
system dysfunctions. Hyatt Regency, located on Goat Island
in Newport, is the presenting sponsor.
In keeping with tradition, dozens of
business executives will trade their suits for sailing attire
and coordinate with colleagues for the purpose of winning
a slate of races on Narragansett Bay. While the experience
of sailing these glorious vintage yachts is unforgettable,
the cause for which each team has raised $30,000—before
they even leave the docks--is undeniably worthy.
The non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization’s
mission is to assist its participants to become all they can
be in education, work place and quality-of-life pursuits.
Shake-A-Leg utilizes Salve Regina University’s facilities
for its adult and teen rehabilitation services, as well as
the Confidence is Cool Camp for youngsters.
Shake-A-Leg’s internationally
recognized adaptive sailing program is located at Fort Adams
and provides recreational, instructional and competitive sailing
opportunities for those who wish to build confidence.
“What’s beautiful about
our sailing programs as well as the Wall Street and Corporate
Challenge Cup,” said Larry Gadsby, Shake-A-Leg Newport’s
chief of operations and producer of the WSCCC, “is that
people with disabilities become equal to able-bodied people
when they are out on the water.”
Two business syndicates competing in
this year’s WSCCC are returning veterans MBIA (Armonk,
N.Y) and DREYFUS/MELLON BANK (New York, N.Y./Boston,
Mass.) and are joined by newcomer VERTEX (Newport, R.I.).
Two “Friends of Shake-A-Leg” teams will round
out the five-boat fleet. The corporate teams will consist
of up to ten members of the 14-person 12-Meter crew. At least
two sailing notables will be assigned to each boat, with additional
top sailors from Shake-A-Leg’s adaptive sailing program
leaving their wheelchairs on the dock to join the racing action.
“This opportunity is like no other,”
said able-bodied participant Walter Kress, vice president,
Dreyfus/Mellon Bank. “It’s a chance to use all
the skills and senses you’ve acquired in the working
world to come up with a winning combination of talent and
energy, but in the end it’s not really about who comes
out on top. It’s about taking in everything that’s
happening around you, understanding the spirit of the people
who believe in Shake-A-Leg and appreciating the life you have.”
Among the high-profile sailors participating
will be Shake-A-Leg-Newport’s Chief Executive Officer
Paul Callahan (Providence/Newport, R.I.), who represented
the USA in sailing at the 2000 Paralympic Games. Race Director
will be Robie Pierce (Newport), renowned international able-bodied
and disabled sailor.
The races will be headquartered at Goat
Island, where the Hyatt Regency-Newport is located. Other
sponsors are Cox Communications, JT’s Ship Chandlery,
Team One Newport, Wayne Distributors and Quinnipiac University.
For more information, contact Shake-A-Leg-Newport
at P.O. Box 1264, Newport, R.I., 401-849-8898 (phone), 401-848-9072
(fax), Larrygadsby@aol.com. Results will be available at www.shakealeg.org
or www.wsccc.org
