Lake Belvedere Sail-A-Thon



The East Los Angeles Lake Belvedere Sail-A-Thon Started in 2013. It was the idea of Sergeant Bojorquez from East Los Angeles Station and nonprofit Children's sailing organization known as "Lifesail Inc."

Lifesail founder and President Mr. Matt Schultz had dedicated his life to teaching underprivileged youth the principals of sailing. His idea being that sailing is something that any person of any age can participate in, and the principals of sailing include understanding team work, discipline, self-motivation, courage, commitment, trust and self-esteem.

When a child learns how to sail and is able to take their first solo sailing trip, their attitude changes from what was once a defeated and untrusting mentality to an idea that nothing is impossible and with a little hard work one can accomplish anything.

Matt and Sergeant Bojorquez had the idea that for the most part, the activity of sailing is limited to those that are affluent. There are a lot of sailing schools that cater to the wealthy and therefore most of the underprivileged never get to experience something as wonderful as sailing. This is why Lifesail Inc. was created. They have the ability to bring the experience of sailing to underprivileged youth as a way to introduce them to a wonderful and exciting sport.

The idea of having a sail-a-thon was to raise money for future events to include a boat building program for children. This program teaches the participants how to make a real sailboat from the ground up. Then they are able to sail in the boats they build. This effectively raises the children's exposure to the concepts of teamwork, good citizenship and affords them the ability to recognize their accomplishments. Once they participate in the sailing program they are empowered and confident that they can take on challenges that they would never thought possible.

Funding for this event came from the private donations of small business owners within the East Los Angeles Community. East Los Angeles is community oriented with the focus being on the youth and prospects of growth for the future. This event, brought to Lake Belvedere, is the culmination of caring people affording the children of East Los Angeles an opportunity to see what is beyond the city. It is an introduction to a pure and wholesome way of enjoying the water.

The following personnel made this event possible:

First District Supervisor Gloria Molina and her staff

Whittier Boulevard Merchants association

East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station explorers and sworn staff volunteers

Matt Schultz of Lifesail Inc

Deana Vitela-Hayashi of Aqua Bio.

Contact Information: Sgt Richard Bojorquez - 323-264-4151, rabojorq@lasd.org