The Camden County Freeholder Board’s Division of Programming for People with Disabilities is hosting an Adaptive Rowing open house on May 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Camden County Boathouse at Cooper River Park.
The specialized, or “adaptive,” equipment will be on display during the open house to present the sport to individuals with disabilities. Beginning in June, trainers will help rowing enthusiasts with disabilities launch adaptive shells on the Cooper River and enjoy the popular sport.
“This is another step towards making the boathouse a resource for all members of our Camden County community,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Ed McDonnell, liaison to the Division of Programming for People with Disabilities. “Those who attend the event will have the opportunity to try out different types of paddles and rowing equipment.”
Adaptive rowers fall into three separate categories; LTA (legs, trunk and arms) who are able to have full use of the boat’s sliding seat. TA (trunk and arms) are athletes using a fixed seat who are unable to use the slide due to lower limb disabilities. Finally, the third is A (arms), who have only shoulder and arm movement.
Registrations for adaptive rowing sessions will be accepted from May 18 through 31 at the boathouse. The summer rowing clinic will be held from June 22 to July 2. The clinic is primarily for individuals with physical disabilities, although there will be one session held for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Camden County Boathouse at Cooper River Park is located at 7050 North Park Drive in Pennsauken. For more information, email karenw@camdencounty.com or call (856) 216–2127.
