Trip Of A Lifetime
June 20, 2005
Many children grow up dreaming about a weekend at Disney World in Florida. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning took that dream one step further for 20 Indianapolis children.
Manning and his PeyBack Foundation provided the 2005 Peyton's Pals group with three-night/four-day Disney Cruise from June 9-12. ATA, locally based in Indianapolis, donated the airfare for the trip. The group flew from Indianapolis to Orlando on the morning of June 9 to board the Disney Wonder Ship in Port Canaveral. The ship made stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Before heading back to Indianapolis, the group spent an entire day at Sea World in Orlando.
The group spent their days enjoying the many activities on the 2,500 passenger ship, including swimming, basketball, watching new release Disney movies and getting up close and personal with Disney characters. Following dinner each night, the group spent time in the Teen Club and viewed several musicals in the Walt Disney Theater on board. The ship made a stop in Nassau, Bahamas where the group enjoyed a private Glass Bottom Boat Tour. The following day the ship docked for an entire day at Castaway Cay. The children spent hours in the ocean, collecting seashells, tossing football and enjoying a pleasant day at the beach. The trip concluded with a full day at Sea World where the group conquered their fears on the numerous roller coasters and fed the dolphins among other activities.
The PeyBack Foundation worked with Child Advocates in Indianapolis to select 20 children, ages 11-14, to participate in the year-round program. The children are involved in one event a month. The purpose of the program is to provide monthly outings and activities to benefit at-risk children chosen from the client population of Child Advocates. This is the second year of the program.
Schedule of Events for the Disney Cruise
June 9
June 10
June 11
June 12
Spent entire day at Sea World in Orlando before departing for Indianapolis
Departed for Orlando, Florida
Arrived in Orlando and boarded cruise ship at Port Canaveral
Arrived in Nassau, Bahamas (Glass Bottom Boat Tour)
Arrived at Castaway Cay, private Disney Island
Arrived back at Port Canaveral
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