Recreation Has Value For Everyone

[Doug Fitzgerald]

The attached article is in the Embark publication, which was included in the packet distributed at the Minnowbrook 2009 Summer Inclusion Institute. I hope it will encourage you to find the joy of recreation for yourself and the people in your life.

[Jack Pearpoint]

Doug..
year after year your vision that 'recreation is for everyone translates into you lugging kayaks and creating this remarkable opportunity for people to experience nature - and 'an impossible dream'. I know this isn't easy - and in addition to getting up before dawn and standing in cold water for long hours - you have to load up the kayaks at the end... and drive home. But.. as you know all too well, it is a 'miracle' experience for many - because of your efforts. Thank you for making it possible - year after year after year - because it is part of your vision of a better world. Thank you!
Jack Pearpoint

[Karen Soucy]

Doug
I was unable to join in on the beautiful water activities you offered to the members of the Minnowbrook conference. I however listened to the stories from some of the participants, I can only imagine the peace and tranquility that kayaking offers now to the people we support. you have inspired me to find ways to offer differant types of recreation activities for the people i support. Thank you for your dedication and caring. Karen Soucy

[Charlotte Diaz]

Doug,
I needed to thank you for though-provoking conversation on the lake about the value of recreation. I also wanted to thank you because if kayaking gave me that feeling of "Oh, wow, look at me, I can do this" what else can recreation do for any of the people we'd like to have included?

[Doug Fitzgerald]

You got it. Glad you were able to have this experience.

Charlotte Diaz said:

Doug,
I needed to thank you for though-provoking conversation on the lake about the value of recreation. I also wanted to thank you because if kayaking gave me that feeling of "Oh, wow, look at me, I can do this" what else can recreation do for any of the people we'd like to have included?

[Charlotte Diaz]

Oh, and by the way, I did look up where I can go kayaking in NYC.

[Doug Fitzgerald]

That's great. I hope you find great joy.

Charlotte Diaz said:

Oh, and by the way, I did look up where I can go kayaking in NYC.