Adaptive rowing clinic, Rockland County, NY. Photo courtesy Helen Hayes Hospital.

Adaptive Rowing Program Launched in New York

Rowing is an intense physical activity that demands endurance, strength, balance and discipline.

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The Helen Hayes Hospital Adapted Sports & Recreation Program and Nyack’s River Rowing Association joined forces on Saturday July 10, 2010, to introduce members of the community with disabilities to the sport of rowing.  The day-long Adaptive Rowing clinic was held at the Congers Lake Memorial Park in Congers, New York.

Nine participants were introduced to rowing, a sport which builds endurance and strength.  The co-sponsors, Helen Hayes Hospital and the River Rowing Association, in association with the Alden boat manufacturing company, supplied the shells outfitted with special adaptive equipment.  Instruction was provided by River Rowing’s coach, Josh Gautreau, and two special guest coaches for the day: Debbie Arenberg, a certified US Sculling Coach and adaptive liaison to adaptive rowing community, and Paralympian Laura Schwanger, who won the Bronze Medal in Women's Single Sculls Rowing at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing.

Rowing is an intense physical activity that demands endurance, strength, balance and discipline. Despite this, it is also a very low-impact sport that is suitable for athletes of all ages, from the young to the old – and for athletes with disabilities. Throughout the world, rowing is growing rapidly as both a recreational and competitive sport.  Adaptive rowing was added to the Paralympic program at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.

Helen Hayes Hospital is certified as a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee that offers programs through its nationwide network of 100 community-based chapters operating in 38 states.  Through its Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program, Helen Hayes Hospital is committed to enabling individuals of all abilities to pursue competitive and recreational sports and activities.  Currently, the hospital hosts an array of activities, including golf, downhill skiing, sailing, softball, gardening, hand-cycling, and yoga. Individuals of all abilities, including those with limitations due to amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis or orthopedic disorders, are welcome to participate.

River Rowing Association Inc. (RRA) was founded for the advancement of the well-being of the residents of Nyack, Rockland County and surrounding areas through the sport of rowing.  Instruction, training, participation, competition, team spirit, enjoyment and respect for the environment of the Hudson River Valley are all central to the RRA program.

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