| July 29, 2008 Community Boating Center - 2008
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(Ally Donnelly, NECN: New Bedford, MA) - Every three months a non-profit organization is honored as a "Champion in Action" by Citizens Bank and NECN. This quarter, The Community Boating Center receives the honor.
Thanks to the hard work of this non-profit, children many who've never even been to the beach, are now sailing the ocean. As a result, a group of children is hoping for red sky at night, sailor's delight.
When 13-year-old Josh Souza first came to this spit of beach he wouldn't let the water creep past his waist. "I thought I could never do this, it was too scary."
Now, the eighth grader boasts the nickname Hercules. His strength -- coming after four years of summer visits to this non descript house on a sleepy corner in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Though the book learning happens inside, Josh draws much from the force that lays *outside*.
it feels great. It smells like the ocean and...it's just so peaceful and calm.
With about 200 other kids, Josh whiles away his days at the community boating center. The non-profit hosts a mentor ship and outreach sailing program for under served kids in the community.
The CBC is a safe haven from the often hard luck streets that surround them -- some kids have never even been in the water before.
Peter Durant is the CBC's executive director and says connecting the kids to their community -- one so rich with whaling and sailing history -- is a responsibility he takes seriously.
Durant
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