CAMDEN COUNTY BOATHOUSE LAUNCHES ADAPTIVE ROWING PROGRAM FOR THE DISABLED
For Immediate Release: June 4, 2008
Contacts: KEN SHUTTLEWORTH Cell (609) 472-8837

Training will be provided later this month at the Camden County Boathouse to help rowing enthusiasts with disabilities launch adaptive shells on the Cooper River and enjoy the popular sport.

The specialized, or “adaptive,” equipment will be on display during an open house at the boathouse on Saturday, June 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the lunch break of the IRA competition, a regatta of national stature. Experienced rowers will be on hand to answer questions about the program.

Freeholder Jeffrey L. Nash said training will begin at a date to be determined later this month. “At this point, four rowers have signed up and we will know after the open house how many other prospects will participate,” said Nash, who oversees the county’s department of parks and recreation.

Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. added the program is funded by an $80,000 grant from the Rohrer Foundation, which will provide $20,000 annually, to the Cooper River Rowing Association. Three adaptive rowing shells were purchased with funds from the Rohrer grant to establish the program.

“This is another step towards making the boat house a resource for all members of our Camden County community,” Cappelli said.

Jamie Stack, who manages boat house operations under terms of a contract between the county and Rutgers University, said the 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 but meat the classifications. TA (trunk and arms), are athletes using a fixed seat and unable to use the slide due to lower limb disabilities. Finally, the third is A (arms), who have only shoulder and arm movement.

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