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NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

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Community Voice: Program Spotlight - Chicago Indoor Rowing Championships (CIRC) Adaptive Initiative


Indoor rowing has long been recognized for providing a 'complete body' workout and has even been ranked second in a New York Times review of favorite exercise equipment. People with disabilities may not be familiar with the opportunities for indoor or on-water rowing as a competitive sport nor as a fitness possibility. With the introduction of Rowing to the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, the mission of the Chicago Indoor Rowing Championship's (CIRC's) Adaptive Initiative is to build awareness of indoor and on-water rowing among those with disabilities and ultimately initiate local and national program development.

At the inaugural event on February 17, 2007, CIRC brought together several individuals, organizations, and manufactures involved in improving adaptive equipment to serve those with physical disabilities. The informal meeting provided Dr. Ed Melian, an adaptive rowing competitor, an opportunity to test current designs by WinTech Racing and Chosen Valley Canoe while offering insights on product improvement. Equally important, the event provided representatives from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago Park District, as well as us here at NCPAD, a first-time look at indoor rowing and its possibilities for those with disabilities. Set against the backdrop of the 9th Annual Chicago Indoor Rowing Championships, the intent was to provide clarity and insight, hence framing future discussions and opening avenues for cooperative program development. The event exceeded expectations and kicked off important discussions as well as program and hardware development that would make indoor and on-water rowing accessible to all.

Since the launch, the Initiative has participated in multiple events in the Chicagoland area and has, in each case, gained knowledge and insight that has helped to shape its mission. These events have provided introductory hands-on experiences to an estimated 4,000 individuals in an inclusive atmosphere.

 Mikel Vandello is interviewed by Comcast Sportsnet after winning the exhibition race
Mikel Vandello is interviewed by Comcast Sportsnet after winning the exhibition race
On July 25, 2007, the Adaptive Initiative appeared at AccessChicago, the Midwest's largest free exposition of products and services for people with disabilities. CIRC arranged an International Internet race with the cooperation of Digital Racing and its RowPro application and, while there were some frustrating computer-related glitches, the exhibit succeeded in introducing more than 200 individuals to the possibilities of indoor rowing. On September 8, 2007, Veterans Adaptive Activities Day provided an opportunity for veterans with disabilities to try a wide variety of sports equipment with adaptive fitness specialists from across the region, including CIRC. Then in December 2007, CIRC demonstrated its Adaptive Initiative at Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival. The Festival allowed CIRC the opportunity to test the latest prototype adaptive seat developed by Chosen Valley Canoe. One of the indoor rowers was also made available to athletes competing in the Wheelchair Basketball Tournament as part of CIRC's testing/development program. The response was so encouraging that CIRC set up an Adaptive Exhibition as part of its annual competition that was later held at Horner Park on February 16, 2008. This 500-Meter Exhibition was a positive culmination of the year's efforts to expand awareness of Adaptive Rowing. Mikel Vandello (the only female participant, and first to finish the "race"!), Hector Bruno, Ramon Canellada, and Earl Jordon were athletes with disabilities who were indeed courageous to try a sport they had never seen, much less practiced, in front of 350 spectators. They were ambassadors whose participation advanced the awareness of adaptive sport. To watch video from the Exhibition that appeared on Comcast SportsNet, go to http://www.chicagoindoorrowingcom

 Earl Jordon attempts rowing for the first time ever at CIRC’s February 16, 2008 Adaptive Exhibition
Earl Jordon attempts rowing for the first time ever at CIRC's February 16, 2008 Adaptive Exhibition
In addition to making local appearances, an Indoor Rowing Development Lab has been created. This Lab will be an activities and development center that will serve as an incubator to both the educational and health/fitness sectors while continuing to spearhead equipment innovation and improvement. Efforts are also underway to run a trial summer program in conjunction with the Lincoln Park Boat Club and the Chicago Park District that will include both indoor and on-water rowing/kayaking. CIRC is also involved with RowAcrossAmerica™, a national effort involving over 20 cities in a drive to raise awareness of the Paralympics, provide funding for athletes, and create grants to seed the development of local inclusive programs. There is also a Virtual Indoor Rowing Club (VCIRC) whose mission is to provide fitness, fun and camaraderie for all ages and all abilities. For more information or to join, go to http://www.chicagoindoorrowingcom/vcirc.htm. CIRC plans to continue to participate in events and programs to advance its mission embracing the belief that all are enriched when the doors to achievement are opened.

Equipment

For more information and articles on adaptive/modified rowing equipment, click on the following links or call NCHPAD at (800)900-8086 for contact information:

Upcoming Events:

May 29 - June 1
2008 U.S. Paralympic Team Rowing Selection Camp (LTA 4+ only)
Philadelphia, PA

June 27-29
U.S. Rowing Elite National Championships
Mercer County, NJ
*Event serves as 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team - Rowing Selection Event for 2x Mixed TA, 1x Men A, 1x Women A


For more information about CIRC and its Adaptive Initiative, go to http://www.chicagoindoorrowingcom or contact John S. Butsch, CIRC Director at jbutsch@ChicagoIndoorRowing.com or (312)731-0441 or (773)525-1030 x203.

 


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