George Saidah’s life has taken him from a childhood in Beirut, Lebanon, via Paris, Indiana and assorted other places. He arrived in the U.S. around 25 years ago speaking almost no English but still managed to become a highly successful computer enterpreneur. The latest twist on his life’s journey led to his arrival at Bald Ridge Marina on Lake Lanier this weekend.
Saidah’s latest venture is Heart of Sailing. Based on a similar program founded by a friend in France, Heart of Sailing is a charity that he founded in 2004 to provide opportunities for children with developmental disabilities to sail and get active on the water.
Together with local volunteers, Saidah had arranged for two sailboats to take children and their families from Bald Ridge Marina and out onto the lake for an hour at a time. The children were encouraged to get involved by steering the boat, helping with the ropes and most of all, getting wet and enjoying being on the water.
The children were mainly patients at the Hyperbaric Therapy Center in nearby Cumming. The center is owned by Bill Schindler who in addition to
helping set up the local chapter of Heart of Sailing, has done pioneering research into possible treatments for autism.
Sunday was the first day of a whole summer of sailing with trips planned almost every weekend from May through October. The boats sailed hourly with up to 5 children on board and every participant was rewarded with a medal and a certificate of completion.
The Heart of Sailing focuses on children with developmental disabilities. If the child can follow instructions, keep themselves and others safe and demonstrate a basic understanding of their responsibilities, they are eligible to participate.
You can find out more by visiting their website at http://heartofsailing.org/regional29.asp or calling Bill Schindler at (678) 794-5863. The group is also looking for adult volunteers, both experienced sailors and novice helpers, to make the sailing events run smoothly.
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