ABOUT THE WATERMAN CHALLENGE

Mission:

Raise funds for and generate awareness of using the power of the water to improve the health and independence of adults and children with disabilities.

Vision:

Establish a global alliance of organizations and individuals to provide the best programs to the largest number of people with special needs possible.

Strategy:

The Shake-A-Leg Miami International Aquatic Park and Boating Center is the base of operation for the development of the Waterman Global Challenge Program. This 25,000 square facility located on the shores of Miami Biscayne Bay, is a public private partnership with the City of Miami and Shake-A-Leg Miami. Programs and services are offered to the general public, special needs populations and professionals.  Using Miami as our “Sea Base”, we reach out and serve our global community. Providing year round programs and services.

Shake-A-Leg Miami is teaming up with other leading organizations that are committed to improving the health and independence of people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth.

Programs: 

Watermen programs for kids with special needs: A variety of experiential educational and recreational programs and services have been developed for kids with and with out disabilities. Integrating kids of varying abilities create ideal environment for kids to learn about strength and how to work together.

These model programs are operating during school, after school and summer. Programs are offered to individuals and groups.

Programs range from $100 for single outings to $3,000 for year long programs.

These program models currently serve thousands of kids and are ready to be share with organizations around the globe.

Wounded Warrior Watermen Programs: the Wounded Warrior Waterman Programs have been developed in conjunction with the Wounded Warrior Project. They are designed to serve the returning wounded solders.

A variety of program models have been developed and are currently offered at the Shake A Leg Miami facility. They including: outings for returning wounded vets and their families ($100 per person); three day watersports instruction and recreation ($1,000 per person); one week water festival for returning vets ($3,000 per person).

We are also exploring the establishment of programs in San Diego, CA at Mission Bay Aquatic Center and at locations in Texas, the Washington DC area, and Jacksonville, FL area.

Watermen Community Service Programs: Model programs have been developed to prepare individuals of all ages to become volunteers and mentors serving people with special needs. Volunteers become vital in the operation of community watersports education programs.

Programs range for $100 for orientations to $1000 for watersports skills training and working with special populations. Students become mentors and become a valuable resource to community programs

Nature Links Program: This project is designed to train young adult (18 – 25 yrs old) with developmental disabilities to work (paid or volunteer positions) in parks and other outdoor settings. The program is being piloted at the Shake A Leg Miami Facility with plans to replicate in other communities around the country and world.

The courses will range from $1,000 - $5,000 per child per year.

Waterman Athlete Program: Athletes with disabilities that are interesting in competition in national and international competitions are eligible to train at the Shake A Leg Miami watersports center.  Working together with Team Paradise and other organizations, a cooperative and supportive environment is provided that attracts athletes from around the world.

Waterman Global Alliance Project: The mission is to establish a network of organizations and individuals from around the world that currently or would like to utilize water to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth. The goals are:

• Enable organizations to improve their overall operations by sharing information, forming relationships, and the development of best program practices.
• Increase the capacity to communicate to millions of people and provide direct services to thousands.
• Create opportunities for unique and effective cause-related marketing campaigns and sponsorship opportunities for Corporations which will generate operating funds.

Designated funds will support the development and operation of this project.

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For More Information and/or to Send A Donation, please contact:

Waterman Challenge

c/o Tracy Towle

2620 South Bayshore Drive

Coconut Grove, FL 33133

305-858-5550 extension 113

tracy@shakealegmiami.org