3 days ago
Inclusive day on the water in Virginia Beach
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Derek Estabrooks knows no harbor can hold him when it comes to trying new things. He and others on the autism spectrum did just that Saturday morning in Virginia Beach as they went tubing and water skiing.
'I was nervous a little bit, but more of me was more excited than anything else,' he explained to 10 On Your Side.
His mom Carrie was full steam ahead supporting him.
'I was a little nervous, but I saw a smile on his face and knew he was in for the ride of his life,' said Carrie Estabrooks.
Derek was one of dozens of people who got the opportunity to partake in the water sports thanks to the Virginia Autism Foundation and the Virginia Beach Adaptive Water Sports. Both operate solely on donations.
Mark Llobell, founder and CEO of Virginia Autism Foundation, understands the intricacies of daily life when a family member is diagnosed. His grandson received his diagnosis at a young age.
'Most of the families that have an individual with a diagnosis of autism, they're busy trying to get through their day. They're busy trying to get through life,' Llobell explained.
He said inclusive events like Saturday's are exactly what his foundation had in mind.
'It's very, very rewarding, very enriching. The smile on these kids and young adults faces today, it's priceless. It's what makes me breathe,' Llobell explained.
Llobell's grandson, Mark, enjoyed the festivities.
'Hi WAVY News 10,' he said with a smile. 'I've enjoyed the water skiing. It's really soft and warm and fun. I would like to do that again a few times.'
Frank Fertig is a board member with Virginia Beach Adaptive Watersports. This is VBAW's first year partnering with the Virginia Autism Foundation.
Fertig said getting participants in the water is a way to anchor confidence in their everyday lives.
'I can give you my example. I got injured in 1999 in Pennsylvania, and within a year I had gotten connected with the adaptive water ski group in the greater Pittsburgh area,' he recalled. 'It was just very empowering.'
This offers a chance to do things that are outside of the everyday routine, even if it just takes a little bit of a work around, to work out.
'Our individuals can do anything. It's just figuring out how,' said Carrie
To connect or donate to Virginia Beach Adaptive Water Sports,
To connect or donate to the Virginia Autism Foundation,
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