Special children sail into the heart of the river

Sailing program becomes therapy for some

By Christina Lent

The Beaverton Valley Times, Nov 17, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

Jonathan House / Times Newspapers

Logan Scharosch, 5, sets the captain’s wheel of a 27-foot sailboat spinning under the watchful eye of his father John and Heart of Sailing founder George Saidah.

ADVERTISEMENTS

Logan Scharosch didn’t hesitate when given the chance to captain a 27-foot sailboat.

The 5-year-old birthday boy stepped right up and grasped the weekender’s wheel, sending the vessel first left, then right and left again.

As the boat sailed out of the Tomahawk Bay Marina to the open waters of the Columbia River, George Saidah leaned over and asked the ship’s new captain, “Where will you take us today?”

Logan, who has Down’s Syndrome, is one of several young people who fell in love with sailing Saturday after being given the chance to wear a captain’s cap, hoist the main sail and pilot one of two vessels with the Heart of Sailing Foundation.

The Heart of Sailing is a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing sailing and the nautical world to children with developmental disabilities as a form of recreational therapy.

“Most of these children will never have the opportunity to drive or control a vehicle,” said Saidah, founder and executive director of the Heart of Sailing. “We give them a chance to let go of their parent’s hand and let them be kids.

“We expose them to a fun, new activity and allow them to take responsibility because they can. They are given control of the boat and have fun making everybody yell (as they whip the craft back and forth and sometimes in circles).”

‘A wonderful time’

The foundation teamed up with Project P.A.C.E (Parent and Child Enrichment), a Beaverton organization that specializes in working with children with autism spectrum disorders, as well as Down Syndrome Network Oregon, Rose City Yacht Club and Island Sailing Club to provide families with a unique opportunity on the water.

During the outing, parents are along for the ride as their children take the wheel.

“This day-sail program has been a powerful and positive experience for the families we work with,” said Eric Hamblen, co-founder of Project P.A.C.E. “The water is a natural draw for children with autism.

“The excursion allows children and their families to share a novel experience together.”

The chance to enjoy an outing on the river meant a great deal to the Zyweck family of Tigard.

Marcus Zyweck, an 8-year-old third-grader with autism, wasn’t quite ready to return to the dock after his turn as captain.

“He did not want to go back into the harbor,” said his mother Ana Zyweck. “He was laughing and enjoying himself. He refused to take the boat in because he was having so much fun.”

1 | 2 Next Page >>