Del Mar Village Association donates surfboards to Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Del Mar Village Association (DMVA) Board of Directors on Oct. 25 donated two surfboards to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

The surfboards, along with a specially made pop-up tent, were purchased with proceeds from the DMVA’s Summer Solstice 2018 event.

Each year following Summer Solstice, the DMVA provides specialty sand and seaworthy items to allow people with special needs to enjoy the ocean.

DMVA Board President Richard Earnest said over the last decade, the board has donated items such as buggies, canopies and surfboards to the San Diego-based Challenged Athletes Foundation, which supports people with physical challenges so they can lead active lifestyles and compete in athletic events.

“This is a military town, and me being a veteran as well, we understand some of the issues and challenges and trauma as a result of being in combat,” Earnest said following the presentation at the 17th Street Lifeguard Tower. “We felt we’d do something small — whatever we could do as a nonprofit — and whatever we can provide, they use. It’s expanded beyond veterans now for anyone who’s disabled to be able to enjoy our coast here.”