By Magnus Liljedahl
It always amazes me when I meet someone who never has been sailing. I can’t imagine where I would have been without it (sailing). When I think about all the fun, all the friends and all the memorable moments, because of my parents, who introduced me to the sport, I know that I am a lucky guy. It has shaped just about every aspect of my life, fostered me in so many ways. I sailed with many different skippers and crews, leaning some from each and every one. Some may think that I’m too much of a disciplinarian, but I’m just a product of my past experiences. Winning a major sailing event takes preparation, focus, commitment and a “never-give-up” attitude. These are all qualities transferrable to “real” life. Sailing is a good thing!
Team PARADISE learned about the possibility to take some teenagers from the Bronx out sailing one Sunday in May. The Laureus Foundation had partnered up with CampInteractive from New York, both prominent non-profit organizations. We did not get much detail other than the kids had never sailed before. My fiancée and I attended a “ritzy” fundraising gala at the Indian Creek Country Club that Saturday night. Indian Creek is about as fancy as it gets in Miami. Most people will never gain access to the club grounds, only a selected few will. We both felt privileged as we entered the clubhouse grounds. The Laureus Foundation is built on superstar athletes who attend their events. Meeting Edward Moses was huge for me. I learned about him as a teenager back in Sweden. The place was packed with stars from many different sports. I was the only sailor in attendance.
The sailing took place the following day on Biscayne Bay. We were given less than 36 hors notice to pull it off. I send out an email to our “cornerstone” volunteers that night, requesting their help and expertise. Kevin Burnham, Elizabeth Kratzig and Tamsin Maund all showed up the following morning. We put both of our coach boats in the water and loaded them with refreshments and safety gear. The CampInteractive group showed up promptly at 10.30AM along with a photographer and journalist from the Miami Herald. The final line up consisted of teenagers Donette Newyear, Melody Estavez, Steven Castro and Jesus Galvez, all from Bronx, NY. Also present were Iris Santiago and Craig Meisner, from CampInteravtive and a couple of parents, Mr & Mrs David Denton.
Tamsin Maund sailed our 2.4mR out on Biscayne Bay. The camera crew and CampInteractive staff got on one of the coach boats, skippered by Elizabeth Krazig. The kids, Kevin and me got on the other boat and we headed out to meet Tamsin.
It was a picture perfect day on Biscayne Bay with moderate breeze and a slight chop. Tamsin and Steven Castro traded places. Kevin leaned over and trimmed both sails in and Steven was off sailing all by himself, for the very first time. There was a lot of cheers and laughter. Everyone seemed to have a great time. We didn’t stay out very long, but long enough for them all to enjoy the moment.
I do believe that we made a difference for these teenagers. They brought back a good memory to the Bronx, one that they can share with friends and families back home. They were far removed from the concrete jungle in which they grew up and live in. They learned about sailing and how boats can be adapted to fit people with severe disabilities. They learned about Team Paradise and our mission about Paralympic ambition. They learned that the “Reward is in the Journey”. I sincerely hope that their experience will stay with them for rest of their lives.
What was in it for us? Well, my mindset as the founder of a non-profit organization is all about helping others. I have realized that it is the only way for me to be happy. It is a lot of hard work, but the three that I planted as already bared fruit and this day was an evidence there of. My ambition is set very high, perhaps too high sometimes, but it is the only way I know. We made a lot of contacts over the weekend and meet some wonderful people. We had great hopes of being mentioned in the Miami Herald article that followed, but it didn’t turn out that way. Our picture was on the front page, but no mentioning of Team Paradise. I was upset at first, but not for long. Life has taught me not to focus on the negative, but the positive instead. Our time will come and some think that it already has. Regardless, it is what it is and it is all good.