Descendent of Keller to team up with pro surfer for movie screening
Brazilian pro surfer, Derek Rabelo, blind since birth
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. – Thanks to the generosity and support of the Helen Keller Foundation, activities and surf camps are scheduled in July to serve hearing and visually impaired individuals. “We want to leave the world a better place,” said Keller Johnson-Thompson, great grandniece of Helen Keller and Vice President of the Keller Foundation.
Keller Johnson-Thompson and Derek Rabelo, a Brazilian professional surfer blind since birth, will participate in the screening of the movie “Beyond Sight,” the story of Rabelo’s dream to surf the famous and dangerous Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii. The movie will be presented Thursday evening, July 16, at Blockade Runner Beach Resort.
Surf camps for visually and hearing impaired individuals are scheduled in Wrightsville Beach July 13-17 and July 27-30, respectively. Rabelo will assist teachers and students during the visually impaired session. Camps are provided at no cost to participants.
“Surfing is our vehicle, it is not our goal,” said Jack Viorel, Director of IndoJax Surf Charities, referring to the process of building self-esteem and confidence in children while shedding limiting beliefs. “I love making a difference in a child’s life. I love helping a child to be successful, and I really love helping the underdog,” adds Viorel.
In recognition of a three-year grant from the Keller Foundation, Viorel named July as Helen Keller Foundation month. “Thanks to their support, and the support of many other individuals and organizations, we will help a record number of children in 2015,” said Viorel.
The Blockade Runner Beach Resort facility is provided at no cost for the movie screening by the Baggett family, long-time supporters of charitable surf camps at Wrightsville Beach.
Helen Keller Month – Schedule of events:
Jul 13-17: Visually Impaired Surf Camp, Wrightsville Beach
Jul 16: Movie screening: Beyond Sight, Blockade Runner Resort
Jul 27-30: Hearing Impaired Surf Camp, Wrightsville Beach
