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Each summer leaders from the corporate finance and banking world trade their suits for sailing gear and participate in Shake-A-Leg Newport’s Wall Street Corporate Challenge Cup to support its varied programs for people with spinal cord injuries and nervous system dysfunction. Celebrating its 16th year in 2007, the Wall Street Corporate Challenge Cup brings together business leaders for two unforgettable days of racing aboard the legendary America’s Cup 12 Meter yachts. Proceeds from each year’s regatta support Shake-A-Leg’s mission to develop independent living skills among the disabled. “It is a privilege for MBIA to be a part of this event,” said
Gary C. Dunton, Chief Executive Officer of MBIA (Armonk, NY), the
regatta’s 2006 honorary chairman. “After every Challenge
Cup, we come away inspired by the extraordinary people at Shake-A-Leg,
and even more deeply committed to supporting their life-changing
programs for people with disabilities.” |
Participants in Shake-A-Leg’s adaptive programs come from all over the U.S. with the goal to become all they can be in education, workplace and quality-of-life pursuits. Utilizing Salve Regina University and Fort Adams State Park facilities for its internationally recognized adult and teen rehabilitation services, as well as the Confidence is Cool Camp for youngsters, the program welcomes close to 100 participants throughout the year. One of the longest challenging teams is from Mellon Financial Corporation. “We can't help but come back every year since each participant takes away strong feelings of exhilaration and satisfaction,” said Vice-Chairman Ronald P. O’Hanley. “This event is a classic example of how the experience of sailing can’t help but improve the mind, body, and spirit of all participants.” The teams include up to 10 corporate executives on the 14-person 12-Meter crew. In addition, each boat has top sailors from Shake-A-Leg’s adaptive sailing program leaving their wheelchairs on the dock to join the racing action. Race headquarters are at the Newport Shipyard, with social activities taking place at the Hyatt Regency-Newport Hotel & Spa on Goat Island. For more information about the Wall Street Corporate Challenge, please view Shake-A-Leg at: www.shakealeg.org © 2007 Newport Harbor Guide. All rights reserved. |
