Special needs children, family enjoy day on the water

CSR Children’s Foundation’s Kid’s Day event provides once-in-a-lifetime chance to go boating.

LONG BEACH — Nearly 1,000 people filled the south end of Long Beach’s Marine Stadium, June 14, to give children – especially those with special needs – the opportunity to be out on the water as part of an annual Kid’s Day event.

The late morning and early afternoon event, put on by CSR Children’s Foundation, provided families the opportunityLong Beach Marine Stadium Kids Day to spend some time out of the hospital and at the beach. Attendees had the chance to speed in the channel on a powerboat or Jet Ski.

Volunteers provided boats, Jet Skis and other vessels, which came to shore several times each hour to pick up passengers and navigate them around the stadium.

Long Beach Marine Stadium Kids Day   The U.S. Coast Guard and the local fire department provided demonstrations. The Aquarium of the Pacific parked a mobile learning tank by the sand to give children a chance to learn tidbits about ocean life. A variety of land-based activities such as face painting and clown performances complemented on-the-water activities. Attendees were also treated to a free lunch by In-N-Out.

CSR Children’s Foundation collaborates with local hospitals, caregivers and nonprofit organizations to bring special needs children and their families to the water. Kid’s Day is specifically geared toward those battling autism, cancer, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Smith-Magenis syndrome, spina bifida and other conditions.

The foundation’s mission is to create events such as Kid’s Day to give special needs children an “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to do something they otherwise might not do.Long Beach Marine Stadium Kids Day

Participants at this year’s Kid’s Day hailed from Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Karate For All, Miller’s Children’s Hospital and Tichenor Orthopedic Clinic, among others.

CSR’s board of directors includes 15 members: Jody Campbell (chair), Chris Brown (secretary), Mary Labahn (treasurer), Jeff Barrus, Sharri Collins, Derris Douty, Rich Foster, Ray Jones, Krista Karr, Kyle Labahn, Paul Labahn, Skip Larson, Jan Maize, Loren Miner and Diane Quijada.

Parimal M. Rohit photos

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