Challenged America

Specialties

Challenged America is a charitable program designed by individuals with disabilities for others with disabilities. Dedicated to advance the rehabilitation and enhance a person’s physical and psychological well-​being, Challenged America promotes and increases successful mainstream outcomes by program participants.

History

Established in 1978.

In 1978 two disabled veterans in wheelchairs were at San Diego’s Mission Bay watching others sail, and said: «That looks like fun… and all of them are sitting too. Now, that’s something we should be able to do.»

Unable to find a sailing program or school able to accommodate their needs and desire to sail a boat themselves, other than provide a «ride» in a sailboat, they purchased a Cal 20 sailboat, and invited others, with and without disabilities, to learn how to sail with them.

Soon racing became a focus, and the grass-​roots effort moved to San Diego’s Big Bay. The sailing program by and for the disabled developed and grew, with sailors of all ages, having various types of disabilities, most experiencing bay and offshore sailing and racing for the first time.

Today, Challenged America attracts the disabled and their loved ones, professionals in sports therapy and recreati