Children with medical and physical challenges learn that life doesn’t have to have limits, thanks to an innovative program offered by the MCG Children’s Medical Center.

Taking place on June 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the beach on the Fort Gordon Recreation Area, the MCG Children’s Medical Center’s WEE CAN SKI Program offers an exciting day of waterskiing, tubing, jet skiing and boat riding to kids with special needs. “Special adaptive equipment and trained volunteers help our children experience the thrill and freedom of gliding over the water,” said Julie Moretz, Director of Family Services Development at the MCG Children’s Medical Center. “And in the end, the children reap the rewards of increased confidence, self-esteem and a ‘can-do’ attitude.”

Volunteers ensure the success of the annual program. They serve as supervisors, lifeguards, observers, boat and jet ski operators, equipment assemblers, assistants to secure, launch and catch the children during the various water activities and even serve lunch. In addition, the program is offered free to all participants, thanks to generous sponsorships by the CSRA community. "All those who volunteer experience as much joy as these children do when they’re out on that water," said Jack Bradford, Lead Volunteer. "It’s a fun, emotional and rewarding event."

This year’s supporters include A+ Medical, CH Martin Company, the Columbia County Dive Team, Communigraphics, Crowell & Company, Inc., Fort Gordon Recreation Area, Fort Gordon Sportsman’s Club, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Region 3), International Paper Foundation, Mallie Bert Story Foundation, MCG Printing and Copy Center, MCG Sertoma Club, Pediatric Partners of Augusta, Polaris America, the Regimental Noncommissioned Officers Academy at Fort Gordon, Savannah River Site, Sconyers Bar-B-Que, Stowaway Self Storage and West Marine.

The CMC WEE CAN SKI Program is open to all individuals from ages 5 to 18 who are physically and medically challenged. To donate your time, share your resources or to register a child for the event, contact the MCG Children’s Medical Center at 706-721-1188.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians and faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.