More Fees Mean Fewer Opportunities

To the Editor:

My name is Marisol Getchius from Long Island, New York. I have just started water skiing in August with the Leaps of Faith. When I was younger, I used to watch my brothers water ski with my aunt and uncle. I couldn’t participate because of my disability. My friend attended a water skiing clinic and told me that I should try it. I’m hooked now.

Now I hear about this dispute about who’s paying for what and threats of lawsuits going back and forth. Has anybody seen the humanity that goes into these water skiing clinics? Everybody who helps out is strictly a volunteer. It is hard work assisting people who use wheelchairs in the specialized ski, lowering them in the water, side skiing if necessary, then rising them up to the dock, assisting them back in to their wheelchairs. I think people should come down and see what goes on into running a clinic such as this.

The funds used are for food and gas. The fee that would be incurred for patrols will be a strain for Leaps of Faith Organization. Leaps of Faith has given $100 per clinic. This year Leaps of Faith has been charged over $200 per clinic (four clinics). We have every right to use the lake as everybody else. What has been done in the past? The water skiing club has been in existence for 20 years. Why is this an issue now? If the Lake Zoar Authority is requiring police patrols during our events, then they should pay for the patrol. As Joel said they (volunteers) are willing to do the patrols. I don’t see the difference because the patrols are there anyway.

By charging Leaps of Faith for patrols this may lead to fewer clinics available. Which mean less opportunity for other people with disabilities to have the same experience I enjoyed.

Sincerely,

Marisol Getchius

203 West 19th Street, Dix Hills, N.Y.                     October 17, 2008