Press Release
On October 19, 2010 Newport Harbor Nautical Museum will introduce its newest exhibit, Extraordinary People, an ongoing presentation of diverse and iconic heroes of the sea. The exhibition will open with a retrospective of local hero, the late Nick Scandone, a Paralympic gold medalist in sailing. A celebratory reception will be held at the museum from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Gary Jobson, world famous yachtsman, America’s Cup Winner and President of U.S. Sailing will deliver a special presentation in Nick’s honor.
Nick’s remarkable story traverses yacht racing, overcoming adversity and the path to Paralympic achievement. Born in Santa Ana, California, his love of sailing began in the Newport Beach Junior Yacht Racing program. Later in life and in the midst of a successful sailing career, Nick was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. With this life altering development, Nick continued to race and focus on the Paralympics. He qualified for the Paralympics in 2008 and sailed to gold that summer in Beijing. Nick’s condition continued to progress and ASL claimed his life in January 2009.
Extraordinary People at Newport Harbor Nautical Museum will showcase commemorative items from Nick’s life and career. On display will be his Paralympic gold medal and Paralympic keepsakes including his Paralympic watch, ring, trading pins, wall scroll and spinnaker. Medals, awards and trophies from Nick’s multiple sailing achievements will be on view. Press clippings, news coverage and a video montage will provide a further look into his story and successes. Nick Scandone, an extraordinary person and an inspiration for all to reach their dreams.
The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum/ExplorOcean was founded in 1984. For the past 20 years, the Museum has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the maritime heritage of Newport Harbor, Southern California, the Pacific and beyond through engaging exhibitions and relative educational programs pertaining to sea-faring and nautically themed arts, artifacts, events, and customs.
Newport Harbor Nautical Museum/ExplorOcean
600 East Bay Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92661
http://www.nhnm.org
For more about Scandone’s racing exploits, see Herb McCormick’s story, “Standing Tall…from a Seated Position.”
