Summer Program Takes Inner-City Youth Sailing

The Anybody Can Foundation gave 22 kids a special sailing opportunity around the San Diego Bay Friday

A group of 22 kids from the Anybody Can (ABC) Youth Foundation went on a thrilling yacht ride around the San Diego Bay and Embarcadero on the famous Stars & Stripes boat Friday.

It's the second time the ABC Foundation has offered this field trip to the kids enrolled in their free summer program.

On Friday, the participating children, all fifth graders and eleventh graders, not only got to steer the boat, they got to meet one of America's greatest sailors, Dennis Connor.

"I came from a poor upbringing myself and the access to the water really changed my life," explained Connor, "It's really nice if I can try and make this a two-way street."

Most of the kids enrolled in the foundation’s summer program come from challenging backgrounds. Their adventure today was the first time they had ever set foot on a sailboat.

"It's my first time, and it's really exciting. You get to see sea lions and I've never seen any of those," said 11-year-old Gabriela Ortiz.

The ABC foundation is a local nonprofit that empowers San Diego's inner city youth with afterschool programs and activities.

The leaders of this organization said they get funding from private donations through individuals and corporations.

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