Fall 2023 News

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IN THE NEWS

BAYADA Regatta 40 and Fabulous!

A volunteer’s perspective

In August, Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR) and 18 other rowing clubs participated in the 40th Annual BAYADA Regatta. What a day it was! 

There were familiar faces and great new additions, including an international entry from Community Rowing Australia. We also witnessed the first ever fully-adaptive 8+ — including the coxswain — from Three Rivers Rowing Association. These examples highlight why this event flourishes and confirms that there seems to be nothing our rowers can’t do.

In addition to being the fortieth anniversary, this year marked PAR’s first time back on the water since 2019. Although other clubs were able to row in 2022 at the first post-pandemic BAYADA Regatta, COVID and a delayed dredge impeded our ability to get on the water for the past three years.

So, we did what we always do – we adapted! 

The Artur family at the 40th Bayada Regatta

Last year, PAR athletes participated in BAYADA’s inaugural erging event. It was bigger and better than I could have imagined. The event was scheduled during the lunch break and I had high anxiety, fretting that there would be no spectators to cheer for our athletes. In anticipation, I brought cow bells and maracas to distribute to the PAR volunteers that I knew would be there so there would at least be some noise. I also had a bullhorn at the ready to shout encouragement.

I could not have been more wrong. It seemed like every person involved in the day was there and in full support. The cheering from the crowd was deafening in the best possible way—even the bullhorn couldn’t be heard!

This epitomizes what this community and event is about. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what event you’re in, or under what classification you row — you are welcome, we are thrilled you’re here, and we’re going to make sure you know it!

Andrea (center) with fellow volunteers, Ann (left) and Alana (right)

While this regatta marks its longevity in decades, I’m still relatively new to the experience. When I started volunteering at PAR in 2017 I wasn’t really sure what to expect from an adaptive rowing program, and I was awed by what I found: incredible athletes, enthusiastic volunteers, and an extraordinary culture of positivity, acceptance, and diversity.

I feel like part of a family with this group. 

Later that year, in August, I was part of my first regatta and it notched my experience up exponentially with even more amazing athletes and volunteers. As a rowing partner, I think I was more nervous than the athlete I was paired with in my first race, and as a dock worker, it is simultaneously humbling and remarkable to find yourself asking an athlete, “Are you taking your leg with you or would you like me to bring it to the return dock?”

This was my fifth year supporting this event and I, too, have adapted. From loading what seems to be every piece of equipment we own to be transported across the river, to the Jolly-Up event the evening before, the full day of racing, and the post-event celebration, I’m honored to be in such incredible and inspiring company. This collaborative event defines sportsmanship at an entirely unique level to which many other athletes and sports can only aspire. It’s a lot of work performed by a lot of people who think it is totally worth it. It is a highlight of my summer, and I wouldn’t miss it.

My short tenure in the 40-year BAYADA history has been nothing short of amazing and I can’t wait to see what awaits us as we head into the next 40. Thank you, BAYADA, for the experience of a lifetime! 

(Andrea M. Pampaloni, PAR Wednesday Night Coordinator) 

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PROGRAM NEWS

Adapted Kayak Program

A Joyful Return to the Water

First paddle out of the PAR boathouse

We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of our kayak program. Now anchored at the PAR boathouse in Philadelphia, we’re ready to explore the waters of the Schuylkill River. As we progress, we’ll revisit cherished venues in our region and introduce new ones. For those interested in the natural world, we’re designing special paddling events to observe the local birds and wildlife.

We’re pleased to introduce Steve Sassaman as the new program lead.

He is the Assistant Director of Recreation, Outdoor Education, and Wellness at the Temple Ambler Campus and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Public Health. “I am excited to be able to share my love of paddle sports with a broader audience through volunteering with PCAS. With my roles at Temple University, I hope to expand ways to provide experiential learning opportunities for students interested in outdoor recreation and therapeutic adventure by partnering with organizations in the community such as PCAS.” This connection promises to infuse our program with fresh perspectives. 

Additionally, the return of Paul and Sue Dice, our trusted guides and long-time volunteers, adds depth and experience to our team.

But what is our adaptive kayaking program? It’s a paddling experience tailored for individuals with physical impairments, ensuring access to the thrill of being on the water. With modified equipment and specialized training, kayaking can be accessible to many.

Our mission is simple: to make kayaking an experience for as many possible to enjoy. With the Schuylkill River as our backdrop and a team passionate about the sport, we’re excited about the adventures ahead. Whether you’re a returning participant or new to the fold, we invite you to join us. Together, we’ll paddle, explore, and create lasting memories on the water.

For information and to register contact Judy Morrison.

(Contributor: Jeff McGinnis)

Winter Indoor Rowing

Starting January 2024 the Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR), will hold Winter Indoor Rowing program at St. Joseph University’s Robert M. Gillen Boathouse in Philadelphia, PA.

Rowing machines allow rowers an off-water option for training throughout the year. They are invaluable during the winter months, when frigid air and water conditions prohibit rowing on the river. PAR’s Winter Indoor Rowing provides an opportunity for our rowers to keep their skills sharp and stay connected with the PAR community.

The rowing machine, a mainstay of modern day rowing and general fitness programs, traces its history to an invention by the Greek Admiral Chabrias in the 4th century BC, but modernized for today’s rowing in the late 1800’s. Rowing machines today not only allow training for strength and technique, but also provide rowers with measurements of their stroke rate, energy burned, and total distance rowed — all benchmarks for tracking improvement.

Rowers' skill sets range from recreational to highly competitive. And just as with our on-river rowing, our coaches can adapt equipment and routines for optimal results.

Rowers planning to row on the water in 2024 are strongly encouraged to show their commitment and attend our Winter Indoor Rowing sessions. It is a fantastic opportunity to keep your skills sharp, stay connected with the PAR community, and experience some great coaching. We'll also look at competing in the Mainline Slide this year. Volunteers are also welcome to join in the fun!

Come break a sweat with us. For information and to register contact Judy Morrison.

(Contributor: Lynn McGillin)

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PCAS PEOPLE - Volunteer SPOTLIGHT

Diane Allison

It was Diane’s dad who got her interested in birds 45 years ago by installing a bluebird box at her new home in Tinicum, Bucks County. That interest blossomed into a love of birding, spawning birding trips around the country and the world.

Diane Allison

Today, Diane Allison leads PCAS’s birding groups as they travel to botanical gardens, parks, and wildlife preserves around our area. Her PCAS volunteerism is inspired by her friendship with Allison McCool, a longtime PCAS member who passed away in 2019.

Because of her love of birds and birding, and her connection with PCAS, Diane was approached by Loretta Cohen a few years ago about starting a birding group. Diane is assisted by fellow PCAS volunteer Katie Samson. Katie finds the sites with accessible trails, bathrooms, and parking and Diane shares her knowledge with the group on most outings. Typically, the PCAS birding group hosts 12 trips per year—6 in the spring and 6 in the fall. 

“I love sharing my love of birding with others,” Diane said. The group uses walkie talkies and other devices such as a scope mounted with a screen to make birding accessible to athletes regardless of disability. 

Asked to name her favorite birding spots, Diane responded “any place where there are birds.”

She is particularly fond of visiting the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Oceanville, NJ. 

Diane points out that she is not a hardcore “lister,” meaning that she does not place a priority on keeping lists of the birds she has seen but rather enjoys watching each of them—sometimes for long periods of time.

And when asked what is her favorite bird? “It’s the one I am looking at right now,” Diane said.

“And I love butterflies too!”

(Contributor: Irene McKnight)

Winter 2023 News

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IN THE NEWS

Annual PAR Boathouse Spring Clean-up

Saturday, March 25th at 9am - 2pm

Your help is appreciated for any amount of time during those hours.

Please join us for our annual boathouse and grounds clean-up. We will be sweeping, raking, pressure-washing, cleaning boats and rigging, and organizing our adaptive gear.

The clean-up prepares us for the April opening of Philadelphia Adapted Cycling and the start of Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing in May.

Volunteers have come from around the region, including Boathouse Row athletes and staff, volunteers from organizations such as the Warrington Rotary Club and Women of the Row, as well as students from local high schools and universities.

Philadelphia has a long tradition of community engagement in spring cleanups. This annual event is a time for re-connecting with old friends after the winter break, and a chance for meeting new ones.

Our boathouse is located on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, 0.4 miles below the Montgomery Drive exit of the Schuylkill Expressway.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25TH
9AM - 2PM

Address:
1233 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Please join us! The rowers and cyclists from all of our adapted sports programs rely upon the generosity of our volunteers.

Use this link to complete the sign up and waivers.

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PROGRAM NEWS

CYCLING

Philadelphia Center for Adapted Sports has two cycling venues -- Philadelphia and Chester County. Both programs run from April through October.

Philadelphia Cycling

PCAS Philadelphia Cycling is set along the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park, a beautiful backdrop to a day of riding and camaraderie. On Saturday mornings, riders can cycle along Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive between Sweet Briar and Falls Bridge, or take the eight mile loop crossing the Falls Bridge, passing by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

PCAS cyclist in Philadelphia Triathlon

Chester County Cycling

Our Chester County Cycling is set on the Chester Valley Trail at the Exton Park on Sunday afternoons. The scenic trail offers flat, paved terrain that is ideal for recreational riders and offers various riding distances. For details on the trail, see the official site at chesco.org.

PCAS cyclist getting ready for Philadelphia Open Street Ride

For those who have a more competitive nature, PCAS riders can also participate in non-PCAS rides and race events throughout the season.

PCAS provides access to practically all types and configurations of hand-cycles and bikes, and can adapt them to meet almost any rider's need. 

Our volunteers ensure everyone gets out for a ride, whether you are a long time participant, or new to the program.

New athletes and volunteers are always welcome. 

We strive for a fun ride and a good time. Please come out and join us!

Contact Judy Morrison for more information and to register.

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PCAS PEOPLE - Volunteer SPOTLIGHT

Erich Odenweller

Erich Odenweller started volunteering with the PCAS Adaptive Ski program in 2022, having learned about the program from a coworker. Erich was immediately hooked.

Erich Odenweller

An avid skier who is passionate about volunteering, and believing that nothing is impossible, Erich found the adaptive ski program to be a perfect fit. He enjoys the sense of community that is fostered within the adaptive ski program, and loves interacting with students of different experience levels and backgrounds in the weekly ski sessions. 

Erich says his favorite memory from this ski season is of a bi-ski lesson he joined as an assistant instructor. Having never skied before, this student told of the rollercoaster of emotions experienced during the lesson, from fear of the lift, to pure joy of skiing down the hill. At the end of the lesson, the mother asked her child how it went and was met with a very positive response. 

When the lead instructor told her that she could learn how to operate the bi-skis herself and be able to ski with her child, both mother and student were overjoyed. For Erich, that was a memorable and impactful moment, and it further solidified his passion for this program. 

We all thank you, Erich, for your time and commitment to the members of our Adaptive Ski Program.

(Contributor: Macy Oteri)

Summer 2022 News

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PROGRAM NEWS

Rowing

PAR crushes adversity

Overcoming adversity is nothing new to PAR. When the PAR boathouse closed in 2020 due to COVID, PAR became a virtual program over Zoom.

Since then, the boathouse has weathered several severe storms, including floods from tropical storm Isaias and Hurricane Ida. The flooding to our boathouse and to our bike storage container required a massive cleanup. Also, our ramp onto the dock had been ripped away and flipped over. The channel itself was a mess of mud and debris. It was unclear whether we would ever be rowing again.

But we are back. With help from the work of many of our PAR volunteers, and the generosity of many athletes and friends from Boathouse Row, our dock’s lumber has been restored the boathouse ramp has been repaired, and our new dock ramp is under construction.

But while our dock and boathouse are ready to send rowers onto the water, our channel where it connects to the Schuylkill River is still blocked by debris, mud and logs from fallen trees. And the dredging of our channel isn’t scheduled until 2023.

But this has not stopped us from moving forward. We are PAR, so we know how to adapt. If we can’t row on the river, we will do the next best thing — we have opened the boathouse and are now driving ergometers instead of boats. An armada of nine ergs are wheeled out side-by-side in front of the boathouse for each session.

Tuesday Night PAR with Jeff McGinnis, PCAS Executive Director, leading the practice

Coached by Liz Euler and Jeff McGinnis, and spurred on by Andrea Pamplona, Richard Park and their fellow volunteers and rowers, PAR Erging has taken on a life of its own. Rowers work incredibly hard pieces, and receive individual coaching on improving their rowing technique.

Surprisingly, we have been witnessing a remarkable transformation, totally unexpected, but classically PAR in every way.

Despite the hard work, there is more interaction among the rowers than ever before. Our rowers, staff, and volunteers are working together and getting to know each other in a new way, and they are having fun. It’s a beautiful thing.

So despite the adversity that PAR has seen, our rowers, volunteers, and staff have shown how adaptive sports programs overcome adversity.

(Contributors: Macy Oteri and Jack Campbell)

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PCAS PEOPLE - ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Jessica Keogh

If you are a member of the PCAS Chester County Cycling Group, you probably know Jessica Keogh. What you may not know is that, in addition to being a teacher, Jessica has been instrumental in changing an important law in our state of Pennsylvania.

Jessica in her new bike from the IM Able Foundation

Ten years ago, Jessica landed her first post-college job as a Special Education teacher in Reading, PA. Today, she teaches 6th through 8th graders in West Chester. Here, she provides emotional support for students and instructs them coping and social skills. But what Jessica didn’t know was that by receiving her new paycheck, she was no longer eligible for care services that she needed to get to work each morning.

Faced with this Catch-22 situation, Jessica decided to take action. “That’s when my advocacy journey began,” she said.

“I started attending committee meetings, posting on social media, meeting with legislators, and doing anything I could to change this law that, in effect, restricted the rights of people with disabilities to work.”

Because of her efforts and those of others, the new law passed unanimously in the House on June 25th, 2021. It was signed by the governor on July 1st, and went into effect December 28th. The law offers medical assistance for people with disabilities who are working, and raises limits on their income, so people can get married without losing this benefit.

Jessica (in cycle) at the Move United event in March where she received her new adapted bike.

Jessica joined PCAS adaptive cycling group in 2018 when her occupational therapist mentioned it to her. She pointed out that she has met so many people through the cycling group that she “can relate to,” she said. “We are able to share stories and life hacks. And it’s a lot of fun,” she added. In March, Jessica received her own adapted bike through the IM Able Foundation. “I am so happy with my bike—cycling is a great outlet and it allows me to exercise independently,” she said.

What does the future look like for Jessica? She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree and hopes someday to work in Harrisburg or Washington, writing policy for people with disabilities. “I want my students with disabilities to be able to work in the future, and I want to have a part in creating policies that will help them to lead fulfilling lives.”

(Contributor: Irene McKnight)

Winter 2021-22 News

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PROGRAM NEWS

Yoga

PCAS’s Virtual Yoga class offers stretching, strengthening, and fun.

Every Wednesday at 3:15 PM, Mamie Guidera along with PCAS yogis meet on Zoom in a 75-minute virtual yoga class. Charlie Parker, a physical therapy student and avid PCAS volunteer, adds strengthening exercises to the mix. 

PCAS members enjoying an online yoga class

Mamie, a certified yoga instructor, guides her students through a series of poses, including a standing series, a sitting series, a wall series, and mat work. 

“Our class is very social,” Mamie told us in a recent interview, “and it’s the only yoga class I know of where you can bring your dog.”

The Zoom platform allows Mamie to modify poses as needed and offer corrections for students. These virtual classes replace the in-person classes that were held in Lloyd Hall before the pandemic. 

John DeAngelo has been an active PCAS member for over 20 years and member of the yoga program since it converted into a virtual program during the pandemic. As a regular at the Wednesday session, John says, “the virtual yoga program with PCAS provides me with the opportunity to participate in yoga, and it allows me to adapt the poses to my specific needs and abilities in a comfortable setting. Mamie is great at suggesting ways to do the poses in an alternative way, and I like the benefits of increased flexibility and relaxation of the mind. It's a great class.”

Peggy Seelaus, a PCAS member since 2009, and a member of PCAS’s yoga program since the start, shares her enthusiasm with everyone she meets. When asked to share her experience, Peggy said “I really look forward to the virtual yoga class with Mamie every Wednesday afternoon. Because of doing yoga, I am more relaxed and flexible. I have had stiff muscles that have loosened up after doing yoga and I feel so much better. Please continue the virtual yoga, PCAS, I really love it.”

If you are interested in joining a class that is fun, challenging, and relaxing at the same time, contact Judy Morrison for more information.

(Contributor: Irene McKnight)

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Birding

PCAS’s newest program will appeal to people who enjoy the beauty of nature.

After almost a year of planning, the Birding Group held their first of seven outings in February of 2021. In a recent article about the program in Grid Philadelphia, author Bernard Brown noted, “the group met at the John James Audubon Center in Audubon, Montgomery County. Though there’s nothing remarkable about birders getting together at the Audubon museum, the former home of America’s most famous birder, what was remarkable was what they were celebrating the launch of a more accessible kind of group.”

Birding outing at Stoneleigh, Villanova, October 2021

PCAS member Katie Samson’s interest in the hobby became the genesis for creating the new group. Katie reached out to several organizations including PCAS about starting an adapted birding program. PCAS leadership quickly agreed that such a program would be a fitting addition, and worked with Katie to launch it.

Diane Allison, a close friend of one of PCAS' long-time members, was recruited last year to help lead the outings. Diane now leads the PCAS birding program and brings a wealth of knowledge from her 40 years of birding experience. She has also been the compiler for the Central Bucks Christmas Bird Count and the Spring Migration Count for over 20 years. Her interest in birding has taken her across the United States and abroad.

This hobby allows people to observe birds using binoculars or the naked eye in addition to listening for their calls and songs.

Our expert guides will help you identify birds through their unique size, shape, color and song, make birding an educational activity that everyone can enjoy, including those having visual impairments. All that is needed to participate is enthusiasm to learn and be out in nature.

Our birding program takes place on accessible trails, so people with any mobility needs can enjoy the outdoors and learn more about the birds in our area.

So what does the future hold for this new program? Leader Diane Allison says, “I want it to go wherever the participants want it to go. I am here to try and help folks learn about birds and their identification, and to help them learn the healing powers of nature.”

If you are interested in participating, contact Judy Morrison to register and for more information.

(Contributor: Craig Rittase)

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PCAS PEOPLE - Volunteer SPOTLIGHT

Andrew Skobac
Climbing Program Leader

Andrew Skobac with his dog Apollo

As an avid climber for most of his life, Andrew Skobac has always felt strongly about sharing his passion for climbing. He brought that passion and years of experience with him when he started volunteering with our climbing program in 2016.

Whether climbing with friends or guiding trips for his university’s recreation center, Andrew wants others to be able to share in this unique experience.

He formerly worked for Catalyst Sports, a nonprofit similar to PCAS, offering “adventure sports” opportunities for people with disabilities.

He also became a volunteer for Paradox Sports, focused exclusively on adaptive climbing. Their program is based on the premise that since climbing equipment is so specialized and tailored to each user, everyone who climbs must “adapt”. Andrew shares this view, adding that all climbers have their own strategies and it doesn’t matter if you’re a world class climber or it’s your first adaptive climb, everyone is in it together.

PCAS members at indoor climbing

Currently working for Kinetic Prosthetics, Andrew learned about PCAS when his company sponsored the Cinco De Mayo Benefit Bike Ride. He became a PCAS volunteer, and eventually started a monthly climbing night at The Gravity Vault in Radnor, before adding another location in Philadelphia at the Cliffs at Callowhill in September.

“It’s great to see the climbing community rally to be more inclusive,” Andrew says, and the volunteers have come out in force! With reduced attendance due to the pandemic, he’s had to turn volunteers away. “They’re so excited to help. It’s something people love and they want to share it.”

One of the best parts of the adaptive program is seeing the athletes succeed, whether it’s their first climb or they have been doing it for a while.

He pointed out that it’s a real community and many times people come for the socializing as much as for the opportunity to climb.

Andrew shared a powerful experience from one of their first climbs at The Cliffs. A woman in a power chair came into the gym to watch her husband exercise, but Andrew reached out to her and invited her to see what was going on in the program. As she came in, someone else in a wheelchair was climbing. Until then, she hadn't known that adaptive climbing was possible. As Andrew told us, “Representation matters! Accessibility matters!”, and this random occurrence was another positive change to perceptions.

Working in an adaptive world is very rewarding for Andrew and he encourages everyone to give climbing a try. He is particularly appreciative of all the volunteers who help with the program, and everyone at The Gravity Vault Radnor, and The Cliffs at Callowhill. “They make PCAS's adaptive climbing program possible,” he tells us, but Andrew plays a pretty big role in that himself. Thank for all you do, Andrew!

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

Fall 2021 News

PCAS IN THE NEWS

Hurricane Ida and PCAS

On Saturday, September 4th, a dozen volunteers from PCAS and nearly as many from the Dragon Boat community came to our boathouse to clean up and start our recovery from Hurricane Ida.

The intense rain from Ida caused widespread flooding, destruction of property, and loss of life in towns along the Schuylkill River and other waterways across the eastern US. Tornadoes ripped through the Delaware Valley to the northeast, destroying homes and uprooting trees. But our Philadelphia region was also hit hard by this storm, and we will remember it for years.

The Schuylkill River in Philadelphia rose to 16.35 feet, the second highest level ever recorded, a few inches short of 17 feet, which occurred in 1869. Our boathouse had 6 feet of water inside and the bike container took on 4 feet. Several Dragon Boats washed up against our front doors, and another one came to rest on the shore of the channel just below the boathouse. The floor of the boathouse was covered with mud, and many objects inside were tossed about by the flood waters.

The day after the flood, PCAS Executive Director Jeff McGinnis made a video and reported on the state of the boathouse, saying, “It will take time and resources to get us back together. I don’t see any major damage, so we are lucky.”

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PROGRAM NEWS

High Performance Rowing

Frank Ganther with Coach Liz Euiler

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR) High Performance Rowing is a program that recruits, trains and provides competitive racing opportunities to athletes with the goal of competing at the Paralympic level.

Having competitive club members participate in the Paralympics is not new to PAR. Formerly known as Philadelphia Rowing Program for the Disabled or PRPD,

PAR was the first adapted rowing program in the US and one of the few worldwide when it started in 1980.

PRPD helped establish the first Paralympic rowing events at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games

While PAR has a rich history with the Paralympics and producing the first Paralympian athletes, we haven’t had a Paralympic athlete from our club for many years. But that will hopefully change in the near future. In 2021, PAR once again has an athlete rowing towards Paralympian goals. Our lone team representative, Frank Ganther, rowed on the water for the first time this year after training with Liz Euiler for 15 months as part of PAR’s virtual indoor rowing program. Frank competed against Row New York in the Schuylkill Navy Regatta and in the US National trials on the Cooper River in Camden this past July. Frank continues to train with the goal of representing Team USA at a future Paralympic event.

PAR’s coach Liz Euiler is essential to PAR’s renewed racing program. Coach Liz combines experience as an elite rower, a USA team member, and world rowing champion, having degrees in Kinesiology, experience working in a rehabilitation center, and in her current studies as a PhD Candidate in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences – Biomechanics at Drexel University.

Liz said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to help get the high performance rowing program going! I’m looking forward to the continued development of the program and the opportunity to continue working with Frank and others to help them reach their goals!” With Liz’s help, all our rowers have the opportunity to reach their goals.

(Contributors: Andrea Pampaloni and Lynn McGillin)

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PCAS at Junior Nationals

In its 37th year, the Move United Junior Nationals is the largest, longest standing annual multi-sport event in the United States for youth with a physical, visual, and/or intellectual impairment who are classifiable under the International Paralympic Committee’s classification system. The event has served as the training ground for some of the greatest Paralympic athletes in the United States.

This year, TEAM PCAS hosted their first ever “mini-meet” on the weekend of June 12th - 13th to qualify for the Junior Nationals in Colorado.

TEAM PCAS qualified, then attended the Junior Nationals in July, and came home champions. Coach Clayton said “We are so proud of Team PCAS who took home a LOT of medals! These amazing kids competed in swimming, triathlon, and track & field. They won second place in the nation in the Team Award, given to the top 5 teams overall based on points. Many had personal bests and some even broke national records!”

Team PCAS’s success was due to their hard work in the months leading up to the event. Not only did they train hard, but to cover travel expenses, they held an online fundraising campaign.

In addition to the competition, Move United provides educational and social opportunities to the athletes, parents, coaches, and officials. In an interview conducted by Move United, PCAS athlete, Ekow Opoku-Dakwa describes his experience, “I participate in sports because I find it fun, see improvements running, swimming, biking and see my friends. They make me feel happy and proud of myself.”

Not only did the PCAS team come home as champions, well positioned to continue their path to Paralympic competition, but they also bring home memories that will be with them for life.

(Contributor: Lynn McGillin)

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PCAS PEOPLE - ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Frank Ganther 

Frank Ganther’s first time rowing occurred in May of this year. By July he was competing with his eye on the Paralympics.

The PCAS High Performance Rowing program made it possible for him to take his training to the water, which was “a lot more complicated,” but, Frank says, he loved it. Since then, Frank has been training with Coach Liz Euiler, who commended Frank’s determination and abilities, saying,

“Frank is helping to pave the way for others here in Philadelphia who have dreams of making the National Team and Paralympics.”

Since May, Frank has raced in the Schuylkill Navy Regatta and the US National Trials, where he competed against Andrew Mangan, another PR1 classified rower, using a fixed seat with a back rest and a strap around the chest for safety. Although he came in second, he has developed a friendly rivalry with Andrew, and both men inspire each other to work harder. As Frank says, “Iron sharpens iron.”

He gives a lot of credit to his support team, whom he describes as “the best!” His dad goes with him to the dock “90% of the mornings” to help launch his boat. And he and his fiancé compare statistics on their Apple watches daily to see who has put in the greatest effort. They also cheer him on at his races, along with his mother and aunt who, justifiably, love to boast about his accomplishments.

Training for the World Championships was motivation for Frank’s training, and although he says this year’s cancellation “took the wind out of my sails”, nothing keeps Frank down for long. He is already looking ahead to winter, and skiing again. Last year he skied for the first time since his injury from a snowboarding accident and found it to be “liberating, just amazing to be back on a mountain.”

Frank encourages new athletes to be patient and “just enjoy it.” He appreciates the resources offered by PCAS and the generosity of supporters such as the Baiada family. He says it’s “a really unique opportunity for a lot of people in the country, maybe the world.” From what we’ve seen, Frank is certainly maximizing that opportunity.

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

Summer 2021 News

PCAS IN THE NEWS

Open for Business

Live action is back! PCAS is excited to be ramping up several of our in-person programs.

Cycling
For cycling enthusiasts, Chester County cycling has been underway since April with single cyclists, hitting the trail on Sunday mornings. Cycling in Philadelphia began in June, on Saturdays from 9am – noon from the boathouse. Starting the end of June we opened both programs to tandem cycling as long as both riders are fully vaccinated.

Climbing
Climbing began in June, with a new lead coach, Andrew Skobac, who was mentored by former coach Pat Bost. Climbing started on June 9th, and meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Birding
For those of us who prefer to stay grounded, our monthly Birding program might be a good alternative. It is a hidden treasure. This program will be on hiatus for the summer, but we’ll start back up in the fall when the birds start to migrate again. Keep an eye out for dates and locations!

Youth Track & Field
Meanwhile, our Youth Track & Field team members have been staying in shape, with two of our athletes competing with their high school teams. They’re now training to prepare for MoveUnited’s Junior Nationals competition in Colorado this summer.

Rowing
The rowing program is still pending, as we are unable to launch from the boathouse due to road closures and a blocked channel. It appears that dredging of the river and our channel won’t be possible until later in the summer. We are hoping to identify an alternative launch spot so we can begin to get single rowers (and double rowers who have been fully vaccinated and are at least 2 weeks post their final shot) out onto the water. The good news is, we are moving forward with plans for the BAYADA Regatta, to be held August 21st. We expect it to be a bit smaller, like other regattas held in Philadelphia this year. We also hope to support some of our rowers who compete in other regattas this year; we had one of our rowers, John Doughty, compete in the Dad Vail Regatta this past April.

For more information on participating in any of our programs, both in-person and virtual, please scroll to the bottom of this Newsletter for details.

(Contributor: Meg Jones)

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PROGRAM NEWS

Youth Track and Field

Team PCAS hosted our first ever mini-meet on the weekend of June 12th - 13th. At the event, PCAS Youth Track and Field participants jumped, threw, ran and swam their way to qualifying for MoveUnited’s Junior Nationals , which is being held in Denver, Colorado in July.

For many of our swimmers, this was their first swim meet, and they found it a bit intimidating. One mom shared that her petite swimmer, Macyn Kronmuller, had to empty some tears from her goggles as she was so nervous getting ready to swim the 25 (meter) freestyle. Macyn was concerned about swimming the 50 freestyle, and needed a little pep-talk before the race. Later, at the 100 freestyle event, Macyn was not scheduled to compete, but there was an open lane, so Coach Darla suggested she try it. With a little encouragement, she agreed. And she absolutely crushed it! When asked what she would like to tell others about her strategy for success, Macyn replied, "Don't give up and try your best".

One of our younger athletes, Landon Healy, had been struggling to get the hang of long jump. It takes a lot of motor planning for many of our athletes to get the feel for the field events. But for whatever reason, something clicked, and Landon was soaring into the long-jump pit on Saturday. Afterwards, Landon’s mom asked him "what would you tell somebody they need to do who hasn’t done track before?” He said “you have to be brave and try your hardest.”

Two of our more seasoned athletes were seen lending a hand to Katie, a visiting athlete from Connecticut. First, PCAS athlete Madison Hahs helped Katie try her very first racing dive from the blocks, and later, our own Trent Clayton spent just a few minutes coaching her between throws, but it helped her gain over two meters in her discus throw.

These are just a few highlights of some incredible athletes who spent the weekend doing what they love. Smiles came to their faces when they faced and overcame challenges, or when the experienced that moment when their practice finally “clicked”, or when they helped other athletes. Those moments are what PCAS it’s all about!

Congratulations, PCAS athletes, and we owe a huge thank you to Henderson High School and the West Chester YMCA, for sharing their facilities to make our meet possible.

(Contributor: Darla Clayton)

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Chester County Cycling

In the spring of 2013, PCAS extended its reach into the Philadelphia suburbs by offering adaptive cycling on Sunday afternoons in Chester County. Athletes of various abilities have experienced the enjoyment of cycling, and the ability to move with speed, by riding the 22 miles of the Chester Valley Trail.

Starting from the Church Farm School Trailhead in Exton, riders can enjoy the flat, scenic trail at a pace, and for a distance, that suits their ability and fitness level.

Despite the recent challenges due to the pandemic that have complicated the operation of PCAS’s various programs, athletes were able to cycle in a limited capacity late last summer. Our program resumed operations again this past May, with adaptations that allowed 14 athletes and 19 volunteers to enjoy the cycling season once again. Masks, social distancing, and health screening protocols have allowed for a safe return of our dedicated athletes and volunteers to the trail.

One of the adaptations has been the suspension of tandem cycling for the start of this season since it is impossible to follow social distancing protocols on a tandem. However, recumbent trikes and handcycles are still available for athletes to enjoy riding. Another pandemic adaptation is that athletes who need assistance with transfers now must bring a friend or family member to serve as primary assistance. These changes are being reviewed regularly as guidance from the PA DOH and CDC changes, and will be updated as appropriate.

Larry Way, a long-time program participant and the 2019 Cycling Athlete of the Year Award winner, expressed his appreciation at our return this season. “Chesco PCAS has been wonderful for me. Among the volunteers and athletes, I have developed friendships which will last a lifetime. We care about each other. We are family. PCAS has helped me to build my confidence and achieve goals I never thought possible, such as competing in marathons on my handcycle. PCAS is so much fun and so beneficial for my physical and mental health. Our Sunday rides at Exton Park are one of highlights of my week.”

Loretta Cohen, program organizer, has done an exceptional job of getting our cyclists back out riding. “You know you’re on to something special when not only the athletes, but the volunteers also, talk about how grateful they are for the programs. My gratitude goes to [PCAS founders] Isabel Bohn and Jeff McGinnis for building such a great program model.”

If you are interested in enjoying the summer weather while increasing your fitness level and making new friends, at a convenient location outside of the Philadelphia city limits, please contact PCAS for more information. The group meets most Sundays, weather permitting, from 1-3 PM.

(Contributor: Craig Rittase)

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PCAS PEOPLE - ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Patrick Sweeney

Our last Newsletter highlighted a connection between PCAS and the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia, thanks to a series of articles written by one of our members, Patrick Sweeney. Being a voice for cyclists and people with disabilities is nothing new to Patrick, and we’re happy to spotlight his accomplishments.

Patrick has been active with the PCAS Chester County program for about five years, and he has made some incredible “friends that last a lifetime”. Other riders have helped him “tremendously”, especially Sandy Morrison and Dave Kolonauski, with their encouragement and support. Patrick participates in many races every year, including about a dozen triathlons.

Patrick takes the riding leg of the triathlon, which can exceed 50 miles, and he partners with others, like Matt Eshelman, who compete in the swimming and running events. Patrick's participation in PCAS helps with his training, while the Challenged Athletes Foundation and IM ABLE Foundation provide the equipment and funding to help adaptive athletes meet their goals.

A lot goes in to preparing for such competitive events, especially if you’re using adapted equipment in the midst of hundreds of able-bodies bikers. When participating in a race for the first time, Patrick and his handler (his Dad!), typically contact the race director to ensure that the course is feasible for an adaptive athlete. Bigger races often have more resources, but smaller races can be more accommodating, because there are fewer participants. Patrick was rejected from one race, but that decision was reversed thanks to his previous involvement in the Paralympics and intervention by a well-placed representative.

Although Patrick participated in some virtual races this year, he said he missed cycling outdoors. A former soccer player, once Patrick had tried cycling he said he was “hooked” and that spirit still inspires him. He says he can’t wait to “compete and inspire others.” We’ll be there to cheer him on when he does!

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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PCAS PEOPLE - VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Laura Baehr

Those of you who take Seated Fitness online know Laura Baehr, the energetic self-proclaimed “dancing scientist” who teaches the popular fast-paced class every Thursday at 5pm. Now, Laura has been chosen as an inaugural instructor for MoveUnited’s OnDemand platform, set to launch July 2021 and offering pre-recorded adaptive telefitness classes.

“I am beside myself,” Laura said about her acceptance into the competitive instructor line-up. "[PCAS Program Manager] Judy Morrison learned about the platform and encouraged me to apply. They only accepted about a dozen instructors and I was contracted to teach five seated yoga classes for the platform.”

Laura has also been asked to teach yoga at MoveUnited’s Junior Nationals event in Colorado this summer, an annual multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities from 7 to 23 years of age.

In addition to her volunteer work with PCAS and her future work with MoveUnited OnDemand, Laura is also completing her PhD in adaptive fitness, with her thesis focusing on seated telefitness for people with spinal cord injuries. She has also recently authored two soon-to-be published articles on the topic in scientific journals.

So, if you see Laura online or in person, be sure to congratulate her on her new affiliation, and look for information about this new program in future issues of this newsletter.

(Contributor: Irene McKnight)

Spring 2021 News

Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia

Patrick Sweeney is an avid cyclist and has been a member of the PCAS Chester County Cycling program for several years. He has competed in several races each year, including numerous triathlons. 

This year, the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia (BCOP) invited Patrick to write a series of articles on adaptive cycling. The invitation came from one of Patrick’s racing partners, Ed Chang, requesting him to share his personal experiences and training tips for adaptive cycling and racing, to raise awareness of adaptive cycling, and to create opportunities for adaptive athletes to participate in races or triathlons. 

The BCOP five-part series includes a short bio, plus information on training, safety, how to prepare, and what to expect on race day. 

The editor of the BCOP website wrote, “The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is honored to host a new series of articles on our blog about adaptive cycling, written by local cyclist Patrick Sweeney. As a differently-abled person, Sweeney has found freedom on his bicycle and has used that freedom to become an athlete.”

Patrick encourages others to try cycling and recommends that they start off small to find a comfortable level of participation, “then keep on going and don’t stop!”

Thank you Patrick for this educational series!

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Lynn McGillin

Every organization has a core of heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen, get things done, and advance the work of the organization.

We are proud to recognize the extraordinary work of our own Lynn McGillin, a PCAS volunteer and leader, member of the PCAS Board of Directors, and yes, hero.

As a University City native, Lynn grew up in a family of rowers; her father, two uncles, and brother Frank were all competitive rowers. And in 1977, Lynn became the latest member of the McGillin family to take up the sport, joining Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club on Boathouse Row.

After working in acute care and home healthcare, Lynn began working at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital as a floor nurse, ultimately advancing to become Magee's Chief Nursing Officer. In 1981, one of her patients told her about a newly forming adaptive rowing program. It seemed a perfect fit for her, so Lynn joined that same week.

Over her 39 years as a board member, volunteer, rower, instructor, and rowing coach with PAR, Lynn has taken on every challenge as her own. Her accomplishments and ongoing contributions are many:

• Continual recruitment of athletes, volunteers and supporters.

• Organizes and provides the annual volunteer training for the rowing program.

• Initiated and volunteers with the Membership Activity Committee (MAC) that plans many of our parties and special events.

• Key contributor in 1999-2000 meetings with adaptive rowing organizations from several nations laying the ground work to add adapted rowing into the Paralympic games.

• Presented our adaptive rowing classification system to FISA and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in Rotterdam in 1999.

• Created and chairs the PCAS Communications Committee.

• Led volunteer management for the 2019 Cinco de Mayo fundraiser.

• Helped establish guidelines for operating during the pandemic.

• Led the Tuesday Night Crew from PAR in the Virtual 5.0 fundraiser.

• Instrumental in developing Strategic Planning Board initiatives to ensure the sustainability of PCAS.

During the pandemic, Lynn inspired the creation of our virtual rowing program, helping to identify participants, matching them with available ERGs, and launching the Zoom sessions each week to ensure access by all rowers.

Lynn (top right) with a few PCAS friends at the WAWA Hero Award Ceremony July 4th 2019

As an inspirational speaker with a very big heart, Lynn is also the annual presenter of the Leo Reilly Award, our highest honor, given to the athlete who embodies the spirit of joy and perseverance in the face of tremendous odds.

Throughout her professional and personal life, Lynn invites everyone she meets to row, and encourages volunteerism. Her efforts have earned her acclaim, receiving the Caring Hands Award from Siemens in 2009, the Fellowship Award from the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association in 2011, and the Daisy Award, nominated by Cerner who cited her clinical skills and compassion in Nursing and the community in 2020.

She cites the value of inclusion that permeates PCAS as one of the things that keeps her engaged, noting that the people she connects with through her volunteer work “have the biggest hearts.”

When it comes to PCAS Lynn is all heart, and dedicated action. She is an inspiration for the rest of us, by her example, generosity of her time, leadership, experience, and friendship. Hats off to a true PCAS hero, Lynn McGillin!

(Contributors: Meg Jones and Jack Campbell)

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A Letter from our Executive Director

Dear PCAS Members and Friends,

If I had to pick one word to describe our organization and our PCAS community in 2020, it would be resilient, and with the help of our members and friends we continue to deliver on our mission.

While many organizations paused their programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we took a different path and converted two of our programs into virtual ones and added several new offerings.

In a matter of weeks, our staff and volunteers had us up and running new virtual programs: indoor rowing, martial arts, fitness, yoga, meditation, game night, and movie night, providing opportunities for fitness and socialization.

None of this could have been done without the effort and support of our wonderful community of athletes, volunteers, and supporters. I want to thank all that support PCAS in myriad ways. We are looking forward to a time when we can be together.

Thank you for your continued support. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021.

Jeff McGinnis, PCAS Executive Director

Fall 2020 News

Virtual Challenge 5.0 Continues

We have been so inspired by the success of the Virtual 5.0 Challenge that we have extended it through November. 

Participants continue to push themselves to meet their personal challenges and have already raised over $35,000 thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors. 

Here are some of the exciting – and challenging – activities our participants have undertaken to raise money in support of our disabled athletes: 

• Cycling 118.47 miles in 44.5 hours

• Doing 2,000 sit-ups in 30 days

• Rowing 5k for 5 days a week for a month

• Doing 5,555 jumping jacks in 5 weeks

• Walking .5 miles every day during the Challenge

• Doing 10,000 crunches in October

Collectively our challengers have helped share the news about the great work of PCAS and the difference we make in the lives of our athletes, our volunteers, our donors, and our community. Join the challenge while there’s still time. You can create your own challenge by sharing your story with friends and family.

No donation is too small. Every dollar counts.

There are many ways to donate, including on-line at Five Point Zero Challenge or by mailing a check payable to PCAS to the attention of: PCAS, 4 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, 19130.

We are confident we will meet the goal. Together we can meet this challenge. We just need to continue to spread the word about what we do and to encourage contributions from every source we can find. Thanks for being part of the PCAS community and joining the Challenge.

(Contributor: Meg Jones)

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PCAS PROGRAMS

MONO-SKIING

Nothing else compares!

In previous newsletters, we have written about our adaptive ski program, and what it takes to run an adaptive ski program for our athletes and volunteers. This month, Eric Katz, a PCAS ski instructor, describes the equipment, techniques and the thrill of mono-skiing.

Children skiers often get all the cheers from the chairlift crowd, unless you are skiing down in a mono-ski.

Mono-skis are not only attention-getters; they are awe-inspiring. 

Equipment

• A mono-ski is a type of sit-ski. They enable individuals with disabilities to hit the slopes and rip! 

• Sit-skis are typically manufactured with extraordinarily strong, lightweight materials such as, carbon fiber, aluminum, and thermoplastics. For sit skiers, there are two choices of skis: bi-ski and mono-ski. 

• A bi-ski is a bucket seat mounted between two skis. They provide stability for individuals who are either just learning to ski or for those who need assistance in steering and maneuvering at the lift. 

• A mono-ski is also a bucket seat, but mounted to motocross suspension shocks, that sit on top of a single, standard ski. Mono-skis provide greater maneuverability than bi-skis, but require greater upper body strength.

Mono-skis are commonly used for individuals with lower injury levels who demonstrate good upper extremity muscle control and balance. However, within the disabled community, it is not uncommon for someone with a higher injury level, such as a quadriplegic, to break these boundaries and shred the slops in a monoski. 

Technique

To maintain balance and help initiate turns, outriggers are used. Outriggers are handheld miniature skis at the end of a pair of short Lofstrand (forearm) crutches. Turns are initiated by extending your arms and reaching with these outriggers, while transferring body weight onto the tip of the ski.

Making turns in a mono-ski not only looks awesome, but it feels even better! Your whole body gets to feel the G-forces of each turn, while standing skiers only get to experience this through their lower limbs. If I had the choice to ski standing up or sitting in my mono-ski, I’d choose my mono-ski every time. Nothing else compares.

(Contributor: Eric Katz)

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PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

JAMES WOODSON

As an avid cyclist, James Woodson first heard about the PCAS program about twenty years ago. He knew, and cycled with, John Siemiarowski who told him about PCAS. It was a changing point for James.

“I love cycling; it’s a wonderful activity. It gives someone like me, who is visually impaired, a sense of freedom.”

James likes being on a bike not only for the benefits of physical activity, but because it’s fun. He especially enjoys the camaraderie of being involved with PCAS, where there are others who share his interests.

James recalls several high-points since he became involved. He thoroughly enjoyed participating in the MS Ride through New Jersey. James has also participated in other rides, such as the Scenic Schuylkill, with several others he has met through PCAS. One of his favorite memories was receiving the “Athlete of the Year” award in 2009. “I had no idea it was going to happen!”

Although he tried rowing a few times, James decided his passion was in cycling. Regardless of preference, though, he encourages others to get involved in whatever program or activity appeals to them. He thinks PCAS offerings are unique, and he goes out of his way to promote them to others with physical challenges.

Beyond sports, James appreciates the social aspects of the PCAS community. “I’ve met so many wonderful people over the years, the volunteers, and other people I have become very friendly with.” He also loves attending the End of Season party at the boathouse, a great opportunity to meet people from other programs. These relationships build a community across PCAS sports programs.

Like many of us, James was disappointed when COVID caused programs to be cancelled, and the absence of regular cycling has had a big impact. “I knew I loved doing it, but when we couldn’t, it left a big hole in my daily life,” he lamented. James said he has a stationary bike at home, “but there’s nothing like the real thing.”

We are hoping for big and bright changes for James and all of us as we move through the end of this year and into 2021!

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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Upcoming Events

PLEASE NOTE:
In-person Skiing and Chester County Cycling are scheduled. Click the sport for info.
All other in-person programs are paused, pending further notice.

TEXT: Join PCAS Update 
TO: 888-535-2276
To keep updated with important PCAS schedule changes.

Virtual Challenge 5.0 Extended

The Virtual 5.0 Challenge has been extended through November

We set an aggressive fundraising goal of $50,000 for the Challenge. As of mid-October we raised more than 55% of our goal, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors who supported our participants in their many challenge goals, ranging from walking to cycling to jumping jacks.

Together we can meet this challenge, and we are confident we will meet our goal.

Why does PCAS need money when our programming is on hold? We love to share stories of our athletes, volunteers, supporters and our programs. But we seldom write about our fund-raising and what it takes to run PCAS. We have monthly operating expenses which are a combination of fixed and variable expenses, including rent, business insurance, salaries, payroll taxes, benefits, and internet subscriptions, to name a few.

This year more than ever it is important we all look to do what we can, and ask our friends and families to do the same. We are faced with the shortfall of income from our cancelled programs, the Cinco de Mayo, the BAYADA Regatta Ad Book and regular donations from a few key donors. And since going virtual, we suspended all participant fees for our virtual programs. While these fees never covered all of our expenses, it is one source of income we had been able to count on in the past.

We have confidence that PCAS will continue to be not only a viable organization but a thriving one, because of the commitment of our community of athletes, staff, volunteers and donors. We just need to continue to spread the word about what we do and to encourage contributions from every source we can find. Thank you for being part of the PCAS community.

(Contributor: Meg Jones)

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PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Lauren Shipman

Lauren Shipman is an athlete in every sense of the word. She is a natural and enthusiastic competitor, and if there is a new and interesting sport to try, she is first in line!

Lauren became involved with PCAS over twenty years ago when she was still in elementary school. Back then, she and her parents attended an adaptive sports demonstration, where she first tried handcycling. It was a great fit because she was physically capable of doing it and she really enjoyed it. That led to her regular participation with PCAS where she learned how to bike with the help of “amazing PCAS instructors”. A friend gave Lauren her handcycle so she was able to bike on Kelly Drive during the weekends while her parents walked.

One thing led to another, and Lauren discovered our adaptive ski program. She was eager to try it, but her mother wasn’t so sure it would be her cup of tea. Instead of dropping Lauren off and leaving to take care of errands like they typically would, her parents hunkered down in the lodge thinking she would be back after the first half hour because it was so cold.

How wrong they were! Lauren loved it from her first run. She spent three hours on Camelback, absorbing everything the instructors could teach her. When she finally came back in, she was “freezing with icicles on my jacket” but with a smile that wouldn’t leave her. She recalls, “I had the time of my life with two awesome instructors, and I got my ‘need for speed’ fix!” That was more than 15 years ago but it quickly became Lauren’s favorite activity.

Cycling and skiing are only two of the sports in which Lauren participates. With PCAS and other organizations, she is involved in indoor rock climbing, indoor skydiving, wheelchair floor hockey, adaptive surfing, tennis and golf. Not surprisingly, she’s an advocate for sports and encourages others to give it a try.

Her view is, “The sky is the limit!”, and says the “incredible volunteers” at PCAS provide not only physical assistance but encouragement and support.

“You are bound to discover that you can and will test your limits, while having a blast!”

Lauren’s talents aren’t limited to sports. Three years after graduating from Neumann University in 2015, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of working with children at the Haverford YMCA. She appreciates being able to share her love for sports with the children, and as someone who has faced challenges head on throughout her life, her attitude, athletic prowess and academic aptitude are sure to be inspiring to her young followers.

Adaptive sports helped Lauren discover things that she never thought possible because of her physical disability. She has become accustomed to the look of surprise she receives when she tells people that she, someone born with cerebral palsy, has actively participated in sports since her childhood. She thinks their shock stems from the view that much of society perceives individuals who use wheelchairs as being weak and vulnerable. How wrong they are! They have only to see Lauren Shipman on her handcycle or skis, getting her need for speed, to change their minds!

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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PCAS PROGRAMS

Virtual Seated Fitness – Combining Fitness and Fun

PCAS offers a virtual seated fitness class every Thursday at 5 pm, via Zoom. I recently attended the class, which is taught by physical therapist and lifelong dance artist Laura Baehr.

The class, regularly attended by 8-10 PCAS athletes, is upbeat and challenging. Best of all, it is fun, as evidenced by the smiles on everyone’s faces as they build upper body strength with fitness bands, boxing moves, weights, and more.

I caught up with Laura after class and asked her a few questions about the class, herself, and her students.

What is your background?

I'm a physical therapist by training, lifelong dance artist, experienced private and group movement teacher, and rehabilitation scientist (in training). I am passionate about making space for anyone and everyone to enjoy living through the art and science of human movement. My PhD area of study is focused on the biopsychosocial impact of physical activity following spinal cord injury. I aim to highlight the academic pursuit of physical practices, in both theoretical and practical settings. I'm part teacher, part advocate, part practitioner, part scientist, and wholly dedicated to sharing the joy of movement.

What is your goal for the class?

My goal is to create joyful embodiment opportunities, especially in the virtual environment. I believe that we can create community and build strength and confidence at home, while taking advantage of the flexibility that technology has to offer. In seated fitness, we specifically work holistically on mobility, stability, cardio, and strength.

What changes have you seen in the students?

I've taught seated fitness for 3 months. In this time, I've noticed the class' strength, balance, and coordination of mind and body improve significantly. This is especially evident during dynamic activities like weight shifting farther away from our centers, or switching speed during cardio circuits with minimal effort! I've also noticed great consistency in our class. We have many regulars, but also word has traveled fast! We've had a few new friends join in too, especially since the class time has shifted to 5 pm.

What feedback have you gotten so far?

Overall, feedback from current participants is that it's "really fun," "tough", and "a great way to decompress." I have heard repeatedly, both in my research and anecdotally, that seated fitness classes generally are not challenging enough. But I can promise, you will smile, sweat, and get your heart and muscles pumping in this class!

If you’d like to build your upper body strength, unwind after a long day, and have a lot of fun, contact Judy Morrison.

(Contributor: Irene McKnight)

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Upcoming Events

PLEASE NOTE:
Pending further notice, all in-person programs are paused.

TEXT: Join PCAS Update 
TO: 888-535-2276
To keep updated with important PCAS schedule changes.

Virtual 5.0 Challenge

Support Athletes with Disabilities

Join our Virtual challenge
Sunday, September 20 to Sunday, October 25

Join the Challenge

The Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports needs your help to continue to empower athletes with disabilities.

Like many non-profits, the COVID Pandemic has disrupted our normal funding streams. To be able to continue to support our athletes and community, we've created The 5.0 Challenge.

Your participation in the Challenge will ensure that we can continue our mission to improve the health of people with disabilities through sport and wellness programs.

You'll have fun while raising critical funds to enable us to continue providing needed programming in our community. 

Create a Challenge

Create your own 5.0 Challenge and reach out to your peers to support you and raise funds for PCAS and its athletes. Join as an individual, team, or family.

You'll be joining a community of like-minded people who believe that our communities are better when people of all abilities can more fully participate.

A Community of Support

When you join the 5.0 Challenge you can inspire the community by sharing pictures or videos of your challenge on your social media using the hashtag #FivePointZeroChallenge. 

It's a fun way to bring our community together and see how people are supporting PCAS and it's athletes. 

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Event Title Sponsors:

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Planning for Programs to Resume

PCAS Unveils Plan for In-Person Programs

Our virtual sports programs continue to be very popular, but all of us are looking forward to returning to our in-person programs. 

In our previous post, we announced the formation of the PCAS COVID-19 Advisory Council. Since then an eleven member Council was formed, comprised of board members, staff, volunteers, athletes and parents of athletes. The Council was tasked to assist PCAS in the development and ongoing refinement of our COVID-19 plan for re-opening. The key objective of the re-opening plan is to create a safe environment for our athletes, caregivers, and volunteers. 

PCAS Program Manager Judy Morrison said, “The PCAS COVID-19 Advisory Council has been working hard to get programs back up and running, while keeping everyone safe and healthy.”

According to Judy, the first phase of re-opening, “will allow us to maintain a safe environment. We will begin with limited in-person programs and expand as we are able to do so. We will continue to monitor the situation regularly,” she noted.

Judy described a few of the new procedures; for example, participants will be required to schedule activities in advance, wear masks, physical distance, and undergo touch-less health screenings. In addition, hand sanitizer will be available for frequent hand cleaning. Equipment will be cleaned, according to CDC guidelines, before and after every use. 

We received a great response to our re-opening survey. Many who responded validated our plans and several new ideas were suggested. Thank you to everyone who participated for their input.

Plan for a return to live programming will be announced soon.

In the meantime, if you haven’t done so, plan to join one of the numerous virtual programs, with more in the works. (See schedule below.) The success of our virtual programs made us realize that they should continue.

Additionally, PCAS is planning virtual social events, such as game night, with details to come soon. We continue to research options, and we welcome your suggestions.

 (Contributor: Irene McKnight)

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Introducing the Virtual 5.0 Challenge

We all know that PCAS staff, volunteers and athletes are good at adapting. And now we are adapting in all sorts of new ways that we hadn’t conceived of even five months ago.

After weeks of planning, we have figured out how to keep the Cinco de Mayo Bike Ride and Walk alive, online. 

Since we can’t gather in large groups and don’t know when we will be able to do so safely, we have converted our usual one-day in-person event to a four week long virtual challenge event, expanding not only the timeframe for participating but also the activities you can participate in to compete and raise money for our future programming. For example, if cycling isn’t your thing, but you love to do sit-ups – and let’s face it, who doesn’t love to do sit-ups – you can make this your personal Virtual 5.0 Challenge. You are limited only by your imagination – be as creative as you want! 

Here’s how it will work: the challenge will launch at the beginning of September and run for 30 days. You will choose your activity and create a campaign on the PCAS platform for your supporters to make pledges. Then you can link this site to your social media such as Instagram or Facebook to generate interest. 

Our goal is to raise $30,000 from the Virtual 5.0 Challenge and we are already two thirds of the way there, due to the generosity of our sponsors.

We invite you to take the next step by:

1. Choosing your personal Virtual 5.0 Challenge activity

2. Posting your activity and goal on your personal fundraising page

3. Spreading the word via social media using #FivePointZeroChallenge

4. Doing your challenge and sharing your results! 

Even though we can’t celebrate in person, we are excited to open up the Virtual 5.0 Challenge to everyone, regardless of interest or ability to cycle or walk.

Make it yours, make it challenging, and of course, make it fun! And thanks for supporting PCAS. 

(Contributor: Meg Jones)

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It’s VIRTUALLY time for the BAYADA Regatta

Return dock volunteers at the 2019 BAYADA Regatta

Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Philadelphia has cancelled the 2020 Regatta season. In fact, as of this writing, the City hasn’t even given out any permits for rowing. Nonetheless, we plan to proceed with a virtual competition.

We will follow the same classification format and offer the option of on-water time trials for programs that have clearance to row or ergometer time trials for those programs that are grounded. On the up side, this will allow us to expand the Regatta’s reach to smaller recreational programs that haven’t had the wherewithal to travel to Philadelphia in the past, including international outreach.

We are still working with the BAYADA organization and our other partners to develop the full framework for the event and will share information with everyone as soon as it is available.

If you are interested in participating in our virtual indoor rowing program, please contact Judy Morrison. 

(Contributor: Meg Jones)

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Schuylkill River Dredging Update

The dredging has begun! 

The docks along Boathouse Row have been removed and a pipeline now runs from the Row to the east side of Fairmount Dam. A unique system had to be created to ensure that the pipe running over the dam is not in physical contact with the dam, in compliance with City and Pennsylvania Department of Fish and Wildlife requirements. On June 5th, the “Mudcat” began transporting slurry from Boathouse Row over the dam to barges below the I-676 bridge, which are then floated downriver to Ft. Mifflin.

Our channel was originally scheduled to be dredged in mid- to-late May as Phase 1 of the project. However, COVID-19 restrictions delayed the start, which would have impacted fish migration and turtle nesting patterns. They decided to move dredging of the channel to Phase 2, now scheduled to begin in September and lasting for about one month. Upon completion of our channel, the Mudcat will move to the racecourse for Phase 3, which will run through the end of the year. 

The project started on a good note and all parties involved were optimistic about its progress, though the Army Corp of Engineers who oversee the project reminded the Schuylkill Navy on several occasions that “everything goes well, until it doesn’t.” When Hurricane Isaias hit the area, things stopped going well for a bit. As a result of the storm, the collection barge became unmoored and collided with the abutment under the Vine Street Expressway. Fortunately, there was no significant damage to either the road or the barge and dredging is again underway. Although the contract was extended to allow for weather and COVID-related delays, our lagoon is currently still on schedule to be completed before October 15th to avoid disrupting turtle hibernation.

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Macyn Kronmuller

This summer, we highlight seven-year-old Macyn Kronmuller, a rising athlete star, and the youngest member of the PCAS Youth Track & Field team. Macyn, her mother, Aprille, and sister, Ryleigh, sat for this interview with us via Zoom from their home in Chester County, PA.

Macyn receives some encouragement from her sister Ryleigh, left, as she races

Macyn learned about the PCAS Track and Field team in 2019 while swimming at West Chester University’s Rammies swim program for kids with disabilities. Macyn said, “many of the kids in the Rammies swim program also do track and field, and they told me all about it. I was youngest of all of them, but they allowed me to give it a try.” 

Soon after joining the T&F team, it didn’t take long for Macyn to train and compete in the field events: javelin, long jump, shot put, and discus. And in track, Macyn runs in the 25M, 50M, and relay events. Building upon her years in gymnastics and soccer, she quickly mastered track and field. When asked about her favorite event, Macyn said with a smile, “I like the javelin -- because I am good at it”. 

Macyn competed in the New Jersey regional T&F event in her first year, but she wasn’t eligible for the national meet, due to her age. Macyn’s mother, Aprille noted that the regional event was something they had never experienced before, “it was an eye opener, and a huge deal to see so many other kids with disabilities.” Aprille says she is so grateful for adaptive youth sport programs like PCAS Track and Field, reminding us how important these programs are for both the kids and their parents in having fun and connecting with others with similar needs. Macyn will tell you that one of her favorite things about being part of a sports team is making new friends. 

“First I warm-up to make sure my strength is up enough to hold the shot and throw the javelin,” Macyn said.

Macyn (middle), with her teammates and friends: Sage Foraker (left) and Lexi West (right))

For the 2020 season, the cancellation of in person programs hasn’t dampened Macyn’s enthusiasm for the sport or stopped her from training.  Whenever possible, Macyn joins her teammates and Coach Darla Clayton for a virtual track and field workout. And more recently, the team has added swim practice on Fridays. The rest of the time, Macyn practices in her yard with workout plans provided to the team by Darla.

“First I warm-up to make sure my strength is up enough to hold the shot and throw the javelin,” Macyn said. This commitment to training prepared Macyn and her teammates to participate in the 2020 Virtual Endeavor Games. Her mother, Aprille noted “Darla is an amazing coach, and Macyn would not be where she is without her.” 

When asked about dreams for the future, Macyn responded, “going to the nationals.” It is clear that, with all of Macyn’s enthusiasm and can-do spirit, there will be no stopping her in the future!  

(Contributor: Lynn McGillin)

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Upcoming Events

PLEASE NOTE:
Pending further notice, all in-person programs are paused.

TEXT: Join PCAS Update 
TO: 888-535-2276
To keep updated with important PCAS schedule changes.

PCAS Advisory Council Forms

Virtual programming has taken off at PCAS.

Since our April post where Andrea Pampaloni described our five new virtual programs of yoga, youth track and field, indoor rowing, and two group fitness options, we’ve added a sixth program — virtual martial arts. (See below for more details on yoga and rowing.) From the participation and the feedback we’ve received, these programs are a success and are keeping our members active and engaged.

PCAS Announces Its New Advisory Council

While we continue to deliver our new virtual programs and continue our research into additional options, PCAS has started planning for the return to in-person programs. To assist in the strategy and planning, PCAS is in the process of forming an Advisory Council, made up of athletes, parents, and volunteers, to guide us in this process. 

The mission of the Advisory Council is:

• To assist PCAS in the development of our COVID-19 sports programs re-entry plan

• To support the ongoing refinement of the plan as dictated by the rapidly changing requirements driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as by guidance from the CDC and Move United (formerly Disabled Sports USA) 

• To assure that the re-entry plan addresses the health, wellness, and safety needs of our athletes, caregivers, volunteers, and observers

• To develop policies and procedures to guide daily operations with face-to-face activities during the COVID-19 pandemic

• To guide PCAS in additional virtual programming, as needed

The following criteria were used to identify PCAS members who were asked to join the Advisory Council.

PCAS Advisory Council members are required to: 

• Have a deep knowledge of PCAS sports programs, including the equipment and assistance provided to our athletes

• Understand the importance of, and be passionate about, physical activity programming for people with disabilities 

• Have knowledge of public health, infection control, risk management, and / or healthcare administration

Additional subject matter experts will be consulted as needed, including Program Coordinators, Schuylkill Navy, host facilities, and State and Regional Departments of Public Health.

We will keep members informed here on our website and via our newsletter. So check back in June for more details on our re-entry plan. Sign up below to join our email list.

(Contributor: Lynn McGillin)

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PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Lexi West

Lexi (middle), with the "girls she adores the most”: Sage Foraker (left) and Macyn Kronmuller (right)

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No! It’s PCAS youth athlete Lexi West streaking across the track.

Lexi started running as soon as she learned to walk and she never stopped, according to her mother Michelle “Lexi loves running, and when she runs, she’s pretty fast – she just takes off sprinting.” Lexi was introduced to the Track & Field program when she was a mere 5 years old and got involved in earnest a few years later. Now a 9 year old finishing the 3rd grade, Lexi is a multi-talented track & field athlete, having qualified for Nationals in every event she has entered, including the 60-, 100-, 200-, and 400-meter running events, and shot put, discus, javelin and long jump. 

Hopeful that Youth Track & Field meets will resume in the near future, Lexi stays in top form through the PCAS virtual programming. Coach Darla Clayton leads team members through workouts that include strength training exercises like high kicks, butt kicks, push-ups, planks, and burpees. And now that the weather is nicer, Lexi can move her indoor running-in-place to the outside and “toss” her shot put and discus in the yard. 

Lexi competing in the long jump…

Lexi extends her love of running to other sports, including soccer and basketball. She took advantage of having to “stay at home” by learning to ride a two-wheeled bike, moving from a 12” to a 20” bike within weeks so she could keep up with her twin sister and her brother. Says Michelle, “If Lexi gets it in her head that she wants to do something, she gets it done. She doesn’t give up, and wants to prove that she can do it.“ Lexi also loves drawing and music, and looks forward to playing an instrument when she gets to the 4th grade. 

…and throwing the discus

One of the best things about PCAS is making friends. Lexi has quickly bonded with two other athletes in her age group, and seeing them together is just amazing. They support each other on and off the field, playing on the sidelines and getting advice about competition and life in general from their middle school teammates. Lexi is inspired by another PCAS athlete, Michelle Wheeler, a member of the 2019 US Paralympics Track and Field Marathon World Championships Team, and a contender for the 2021 Paralympics games. Lexi’s mom says Michelle has been generous with her time and is a tremendous role model for the young competitors. Michelle provided the following words of encouragement to Lexi “You have what it takes and you, alone are enough! No matter what happens, keep pushing forward!” Michelle stressed, "it’s so important for our youth to get involved in adaptive sports and PCAS has done such an amazing job getting everyone involved.” 

We wish Lexi and her teammates all the best as they continue their training with fingers crossed for meets to resume soon. 

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PCAS PROGRAMS

Virtual Yoga and Virtual Indoor Rowing

Our yoga program has moved online.

A month ago, we began our virtual yoga program with our regular instructor Mamie Guidera at the helm and Stephanie Nekorski on standby as an alternate instructor. We currently have over two dozen athletes and volunteers registered for the weekly Wednesday afternoon session, and while not all attend every time, we have had strong showings each week. Mamie and Stephanie do a great job of explaining and demonstrating each pose, including how to adapt based on individual ability.

PCAS staffer Judy Morrison echoed the sentiments of many: “I always feel so refreshed and loose after I do yoga!” And athlete Maddie Jones said, “Having attempted to take typical yoga classes before, it is refreshing to be in a class that includes people of all abilities, where everyone is able to participate successfully. After class, I felt stretched and ready for indoor rowing!”

Our indoor rowing program normally ends in March, but this year we kept it going.

We moved from in-person rowing at St. Joe’s boathouse to Zoom. Ergometers were distributed to interested athletes and the Monday-Wednesday schedule continued. Sessions are led by our coaches Liz Euiler and Kristin Goodsell, who plan and lead the exercises for each workout, while giving feedback to the athletes based on what they can see on Zoom from their computer screen.

Sometimes it can be a little tricky to position the computers or mobile device for full view but, as with all our virtual programs, there is ample back and forth communication between instructor and participant to ensure that athletes are working on their form and advancing their practice. 

During a time when it is more difficult to get moving, and yet all the more important to do so, PCAS’ virtual programming provides many options for our athletes and volunteers to stay in shape and enjoy the PCAS community. PCAS athlete Brett Leatherwood enjoys “the fact that he is rowing and that being part of the group is helpful to stay connected.” It’s fun to log on and see familiar faces or make new acquaintances. In the words of athlete Bernadette Giddens, “Great workout!” 

For more information on our virtual programs, please email Judy Morrison.

(Contributor: Meg Jones)

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Upcoming Events

PLEASE NOTE:
Pending further notice, all in-person programs are paused.

TEXT: Join PCAS Update 
TO: 888-535-2276
To keep updated with important PCAS schedule changes.

Youth Track and Field 

Virtual - Sundays at 3:00 PM
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison 

Indoor Rowing

Virtual - Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 PM
Registration and access to an erg required: contact Judy Morrison

Yoga

Virtual - Wednesdays at 3:00 PM
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison 

Martial Arts

Virtual - Seated or standing
Thursdays at 5:00 PM
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison

Group Fitness – Standing and Walking Exercises

Virtual - This program requires participants to be able to stand without assistance and walk
Tuesdays at 5:00 PM 
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison 

Group Fitness – Chair Exercises

Virtual - Thursdays at 12:00 PM 
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison

Stay Healthy with PCAS Virtual Programs

Here's how to keep healthy with us!

We hope you are finding ways to stay active.  We have started five virtual fitness programs to continue to support our members with adaptive exercise programs. We continue to research options and welcome your suggestions.

Youth Track and Field 

The Youth Track and Field program training is now virtual, led by our head coach, Dr. Darla Clayton, every Sunday at 3 pm. At each session, Darla provides the team a training plan for the week, plus leads the athletes in stretching and strengthening exercises. 

Yoga

April 15th was our inaugural virtual yoga session. The sessions are held every Wednesday at 3 pm. Our very own yogi, Mamie Guidera, guides participants through strength and stretching poses. All are welcome to participate, and Mamie provides pose modifications, as needed, based on individual abilities. 

Indoor Rowing

Virtual indoor rowing will be held each Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm starting on May 4th. This program requires access to an ergometer. A limited number of loaner ergometers are available to athletes for use at home. 

Group Fitness 

We are offering two options of virtual group fitness classes. One is a seated class and the second requires the participants to stand and walk. The seated program will be led by Mardi Malley, and will be on Thursdays at noon. The standing program will be led by Judy Morrison, and will be on Tuesdays at 5 pm. 

Registration is required for all programs.  Contact Judy Morrison to register and questions you may have about using Zoom to participate.

We cannot wait to see you again in person and to resume our regular programming. Stay safe, active and healthy!

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Ekow Opoku-Dakwa

In our August newsletter, we highlighted PCAS' Youth Track & Field coach Darla Clayton. This month, we highlight 13-year-old Ekow Opoku-Dakwa, a remarkable young man, and member of the PCAS Youth Track & Field team. Ekow, along with his mother, Marian, sat for an interview with us from Pittsburgh, via Zoom.

Trent Clayton and Ekow

We know from coach Darla, that you have had great success at the Adaptive Sports USA's Junior Nationals. Why did you choose track and field? How did you start? 
"First I heard about the team, and tried out, and I liked it." 

Marian added, "Ekow was doing Physical Therapy at the Children's Specialized Hospital. I wanted to have him in a place where he could do his therapy and get exercise. About four years ago, while we were living in New Jersey, we heard of a local adaptive track team. When we attended nationals, we got to know Darla [Clayton, director of PCAS' Track & Field]. So when we moved to Pittsburgh, we hooked up with Darla and her Strong As Steel program. 

What motivates you to reach the nationals? 
"I just like to go to different places in the USA, and hang out with good friends every year. It's like going on vacation." Marian added, "The social aspect is very important, especially meeting athletes who are competitive. Ekow is competitive in athletics as well as academics. As a swimmer, and as a runner, he can show off what he can do."

What events of Track & Field do you compete? 
"In Track, I do all events, from 60-meter 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3K." Ekow is too young to compete in 5K races. He also competes in the long-jump, set the long-jump record when he competed four years ago. 

What other sports are you doing? 

“I did cross country with my school team in the fall and swimming this winter. And I bike sometimes. I also play sled hockey with the Mighty Pens.”

Marian added, “He swam a mile in the Pacific during Challenged Athletes Foundation's San Diego Triathlon Challenge. And this year he has been working towards adding the biking leg of the triathlon, riding up to 15 miles at a time.” 

“Ekow also swims with the local Y and we found Track and Field with River City Elite really helpful. He also water skis every summer on Conneaut Lake, as part of a Three Rivers Adaptive Sports program.”

Ekow, what grade are you in? 
"I'm in 7th grade. I like to learn things, I like math, and I love to play chess." In math class, Ekow is the champion of his grade for two years in a row in "Challenge 24", a game where you are given number cards and have to derive the number 24 out of them. Ekow is also in an advanced algebra class. 

And he loves to play chess. In August 2019, Ekow took the First Place trophy at the Summer 2019 Chess Challenge (Beginner class), and again, a First Place Trophy in November at the 2019 Future Champion Chess Challenge (Advanced Beginner class). 

What dreams do you have for the future?
"I hope to be a future engineer. Programming and analytics are the kinds of jobs I'd like to have."

What are your favorite things about being on a sports team?
"I like that I get to race other people, and have lots of fun with friends, and get to meet new people."

(Contributor: Jack Campbell)

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PCAS PROGRAMS

Youth Ski Camp

Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports hosted the 23rd annual Youth Ski Camp from February 17th through February 21st at Camelback Mountain Resort.

The camp was host to nine kids of all levels of experience, ranging from some who have never skied to those training towards Paralympic level competition, and was enjoyed by all.

The camp provided an opportunity not only to ski but also a chance to meet new friends and to reconnect with those from previous years. Camp started with a meet and greet on Monday night. The next three days included time on the mountain, schoolwork, swimming in the indoor pool, a trip to the water park and an awards banquet on Thursday night. 

Caitlin, who attended camp for the 4th time this year, describes her experience:

“the camp is a lot of fun and I look forward to attending each year. I complete six hours on the mountain each day as a three-tracker, which means I use one ski and have two outriggers.”

Caitlin adds, “In addition to skiing it is important that I do my schoolwork. The water park and banquet each year are something that I look forward to.”

View fullsize

View fullsize

Tyler Carter is the head coach and is well known to the program as a PCAS ski camp alumnus and Paralympic Athlete. His experience helps to motivate the campers with examples of what is possible. Tyler noted that he looks forward to the camp and that “this week is my favorite week of my year, and the fact that I can play a part is an honor. The phenomenal camp volunteers who help to make the experience an excellent one, plus the motivated campers make my job easier. The main goals of the camp are to ski, have a good time and increase independence. PCAS really changes lives.”

(Contributor: Lynn McGillin)

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Upcoming Events

PLEASE NOTE:
Pending further notice, all in-person programs are paused.

TEXT: Join PCAS Update 
TO: 888-535-2276
To keep updated with important PCAS schedule changes.

Cross-program Social

Virtual - Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 PM
Registration is required: contact PCAS Events

Youth Track and Field 

Virtual - Sundays at 3:00 PM
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison 

Indoor Rowing

Virtual - Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 PM
Registration and access to an erg required: contact Judy Morrison

Yoga

Virtual - Wednesdays at 3:00 PM
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison 

Group Fitness – Standing and Walking Exercises

Virtual - This program requires participants to be able to stand without assistance and walk
Tuesdays at 5:00 PM 
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison 

Group Fitness – Chair Exercises

Virtual - Thursdays at 12:00 PM 
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison

Cinco de Mayo Ride Postponed

The Cinco De Mayo Ride and Walk scheduled for May 3 will move to September 2020.

We are doing this based upon recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We will be monitoring the situation closely and we will update the site soon with our new September date. 

Our Cinco de Mayo website will stay open, including the ability to register and raise funds.

The Ride and Walk benefits all PCAS programs, allowing us to continue offering competitive and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in the greater Delaware Valley. Each year, the event expands as community interest grows. Our Cinco de Mayo Ride and Walk is the region's premier event that opens the world of sports to people with disabilities. 

Here are 5 ways you can get involved right now!

1. Register to ride or walk: Pre-registration ends April 30th, but you can still register the day of the event.

2. Form a team: You can fundraise as an individual, but it is more fun as a team. You can either join a team by invitation, or easily create your own, on the Cinco de Mayo website. Encourage your friends and family to join you. Keep your teammates motivated and in the loop. Follow the scoreboard to see how your team stacks up against the competition. Working as a team is fun, and you can feel proud to support athletics for people of all abilities. 

3. Start your own Facebook Donation Page: Many people are happy to donate when they see the good things that PCAS is doing.

4. Be a sponsor: Visit CDM for sponsorship opportunities or contact Meg Jones.

5. Volunteer: Numerous volunteer opportunities are available from pre-event preparations through the day of the event.

To register or to learn more about opportunities for donations for the Cinco de Mayo Ride and Walk, visit CDM. It’s going to be a great bike ride and walk - we look forward to seeing you there! 

(Contributor: Irene McKnight)

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PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Will Chernets

Will Chernets is a confident 15-year-old high school sophomore who loves the excitement that adaptive sports offer. In addition to school, Will maintains a busy schedule of biking, rowing, basketball and sled hockey. 

Will (left), out on the river during a race

Being part of PCAS’ Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing program has allowed Will to meet new friends and has pushed him to expand his athletic capabilities.

With just two years of rowing to his credit, Will Chernets is making his mark and winning races. Will said he was nervous the first time he rowed, but you would never know it to see his grace and skill. He has medaled twice in the BAYADA Regatta, and in October, Will and his partner received the Bronze Medal in the 2-1/2 mile Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, an astonishing achievement for a novice racing against more senior competitors. There is no stopping Will!

“Learning to row has definitely had a positive impact on my life,” Will says, and he encourages others to try. “It’s worth taking a shot – you might like it!” 

Will credits adaptive rowing with improving his communication and problem-solving skills as well, simply by being part of a team.

With his increased skills, Will’s excitement about rowing has grown, and so has his competitive spirit. But rowing isn’t the only area in which Will is expecting future success. Will also enjoys math and science, and hopes one day to have a career in the biomedical field. With his dedication and positive attitude, there is no limit to his future success.

In Will’s case, and in the lives of so many others, the power of adaptive sports cannot be overstated.

 (Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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PCAS PROGRAMS

Indoor Rowing

Our rowing and cycling equipment has been in storage for the winter, but that has not prevented our athletes from remaining active. Since January 10th, PCAS athletes and volunteers have taken part in our indoor rowing program every Monday and Wednesday evening at the St. Joseph’s University boathouse. 

About 15 years ago, PCAS identified the need for an off-season program for athletes who wanted to train for the national team or for upcoming races. Our program has grown to accommodate up to 30 participants and is open to all PCAS athletes and volunteers. The program lasts from 6:00PM to 7:00PM on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and was offered this year for the ten weeks between January 10th and March 11th. 

Indoor rowing replaces the boat with an ergometer, a stationary rowing machine that allows you to train when you don't have the opportunity to be on the water. Our program adapts equipment for athletes with a variety of abilities. Stationary seats can be securely attached to the erg for athletes who have limited use of their legs, allowing them to row while seated on the machine. Hand grips and waist and chest straps are also available to adapt the equipment to the needs of the participant. If transferring out of a wheelchair is challenging for someone, the erg can be set up to row directly from a wheelchair.

This year, rowing coaches Liz Euiler and Lisa Boron provided a variety of short, high-intensity workouts and long-distance workouts during the bi-weekly sessions. They apply their coaching skills to provide helpful tips for improving your rowing technique.
 
Each athlete’s progress is assessed using the BAYADA Regatta distances, with 2,000 meters being the typical measurement. Sessions usually last one hour, including warm up and cool down time.

Indoor rowing is ideal for athletes and volunteers interested in off-season training to prepare for outdoor rowing in May. This program is especially beneficial for experienced rowers who need to refine their skills, and for new rowers to learn proper technique before they get on the water.
 
Make plans for next January. We would love to have you join us.

(Contributor: Craig Rittase)

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Upcoming Events

PLEASE NOTE:
Pending further notice, all programs are paused.
Listed below is our anticipated schedule once the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lifts the current restrictions. 

TEXT: Join PCAS Update 
TO: 888-535-2276
To keep updated with important PCAS schedule changes.

Registration required for all events to allow us to contact participants in case the event is postponed or cancelled.

PCAS Garden and Boathouse Spring Cleaning

Wednesday, April 22nd Earth Day, 11:00AM – dusk *weather permitting 
Thursday, May 14th Love Your Park Week, 11:00AM – dusk
PAR Boathouse, 1233 Martin Luther King Dr., Philadelphia PA
Contact Linda Artur to register or for more information. 

PAR Rowing Volunteer Training and Returning Volunteer Pre-Season Practice

Mark your calendar and tell friends about the start of the rowing season with our annual volunteer training and returning volunteer training sessions. 
Tue, April 28th; Wed, April 29th; Tue, May 5th; and Wed, May 6th. 5:30 PM start.
PAR Boathouse, 1233 Martin Luther King Dr., Philadelphia PA 
Email Lynn McGillin with questions. 

Rowing Season Starts Monday, May 11th

Monday through Thursday, 5:30 pm
PAR Boathouse, 1233 Martin Luther King Dr., Philadelphia PA
Contact Judy Morrison for more information 

PCAS Chester County Cycling – Volunteer Training Day

Sunday April 5th, 1:00 - 3:00 PM 
Exton Park, 140 Church Farm Lane, Exton, PA 19341
This important training is recommended for all volunteers, new and returning.
Contact PCAS Chester County Cycling 

PCAS Chester County Cycling 

Sundays 1:00 - 3:00 pm 
Exton Park, 140 Church Farm Lane, Exton, PA 19341
Runs weekly, April 19th through October.
Contact PCAS Chester County Cycling 

USRowing and Classifier Training

April 18th and 19th, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lloyd Hall Recreation Center, 1 Boathouse Row Philadelphia, PA 
Details and registration for the event can be found via this link USRowing Classifier Training.
Contact Jeff McGinnis for more information.  

PCAS Philadelphia Cycling 

Saturdays, 10 am – 1 pm 
PAR Boathouse, 1233 Martin Luther King Drive, Philadelphia.
Runs weekly, May through October.
Contact Judy Morrison 

Kayaking – Water safety evaluation and training 

West Chester YMCA 
Date: TBD - stay tuned!
Contact Judy Morrison 

Youth Track and Field

West Chester
Starting in April
Contact Darla Clayton  to sign up or for more information 

Adaptive Climbing

Second Wednesday of the month, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Gravity Vault, 175 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA
All experience levels, abilities and ages are welcome.
Contact Pat Bost for more information. 

USRowing Classifier Training 

April session postponed to later date. 
Contact Jeff McGinnis for more information. 

2020 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

September 20th - 25th
San Diego, CA
Applications are now open for veterans interested in participating in the 2020 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. Hosted by VA San Diego Healthcare System, the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic offers adventure sports and recreational activities such as sailing, surfing, kayaking, and cycling for veterans with disabilities. Register here.

Wawa Grant Allocation

PCAS in the News

Wawa Foundation Hero Award

Last year, when PCAS was a finalist for the Wawa Foundation Hero Award, we had overwhelming support from our community. You voted for PCAS and urged your network to do the same. The outpouring of interest and support put PCAS over the top and we received the first-place grant of $50,000 on the Fourth of July.

Track and Field Team members at the WAWA Foundation Award Day in front of Liberty Bell at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA
(Left to right – Trent, Ava and Madison)

Now, six months later, we want to report on how this grant has been put to use for the benefit of our athletes.

First, we allocated $7,000 for our Youth Track and Field team to travel to the Nationals in Eden Prairie, MN.

It was Coach Darla Clayton who had recommended applying for the grant to Wawa, and so it seemed fitting to acknowledge her commitment to PCAS with this support. We spent $750 per athlete for travel, room and board. PCAS plans to support the team's participation in Nationals again this year.

In the words of the parent of one grateful recipient, “I want to say thank you for allowing the athletes to receive a portion of their expenses to be paid for Nationals this year. It is such a big help and very much appreciated as this is a growing expense each year as Madison travels to compete. Her goal is to one day compete at the Paralympic level and I will continue to support her as best I can. I don’t know if the kids will continue to be supported financially, but I do know we all appreciate this.”

The remainder of the Wawa Foundation Hero Award grant will be spent on program support. This will include purchasing additional equipment for our various sports programs such as indoor and outdoor rowing, skiing, kayaking, track & field, yoga, cycling, and volleyball. In addition, there are infrastructure needs that the proceeds from the grant will support, especially boatyard improvements and boat racks.

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award “honors a non-profit organization that is committed to serving the greater Philadelphia area by assisting others and building stronger communities through preserving our independence, protecting our safety, and educating and inspiring our youth” (The Wawa Foundation Hero Award). We are deeply grateful to the Wawa Foundation for sponsoring this award.

(Contributor Meg Jones)

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PCAS People in the News

Laura Krych

Laura Krych is a mother of two and a physical therapist with Einstein Home Care, and for the last decade has been a volunteer for Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR).

Laura (right) working the dock at the BAYADA Regatta

While living in Philadelphia during college, Laura would see rowers on the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row, but never dreamed she'd be a sculler. 

Her first opportunity came when she learned about PAR from her friend, Becca Bloomquist. Becca and Laura were classmates at the University of the Sciences’ Physical Therapy Program and had become close friends. “Becca told me one night that she was going to be volunteering with the adaptive rowing program on Tuesday nights, and that I was coming with her!” 

“The unique opportunity to help people with disabilities pulled me in pretty quickly,” she says. Laura appreciates how it feels to be part of the PCAS rowing program.

Laura, hard at work on a typical Tuesday night at the boathouse

“People look at you like you are special when you tell them that you row. People want to know more about the program, and it is great to share with them such a great experience.”

As a volunteer of over ten years, Laura has witnessed firsthand the growth of adaptive rowing. And like all of our volunteers, she has grown as well.

By applying her expertise, it wasn’t long before Laura’s skills in both physical therapy and rowing led her to become a USRowing Medical Classifier. Today, she is the chief classifier for the BAYADA Regatta. 

Laura with her kids

Laura finds the Jolly-up event, held on the eve of the regatta, to be one of her favorite experiences as a volunteer with PCAS. It has given her the opportunity to meet adaptive rowers from across the country, and see how rowing has impacted their lives. 

Additionally, she enjoys the Tuesday night PCAS rowing picnics, which give her time to enjoy the people, the city, and the family that has grown from the rowing program. 

While Laura’s classifier work enables competitive rowing, Laura urges us to never forget that adaptive rowing has its roots in recreational rowing. We are there to have fun.

(Contributed by Craig Rittase)

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Upcoming Events

Adaptive Climbing

Second Wednesday of the month, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Gravity Vault, 175 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA
All experience levels, abilities and ages are welcome.
Contact Pat Bost for more information.

USRowing and Classifier Training

April 18th and 19th, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lloyd Hall Recreation Center, 1 Boathouse Row Philadelphia, PA 
Details and registration for the event can be found on this document: USRowing Classifier Training. Contact Jeff McGinnis for more information. 

PAR Rowing Volunteer Training and Returning Volunteer Pre-Season Practice

Mark your calendar and tell friends about the start of the rowing season with our annual volunteer training and returning volunteer training sessions. 
Tue, April 28th; Wed, April 29th; Tue, May 5th; and Wed, May 6th. 5:30 PM start.
No registration required - just show up! 
Email Lynn McGillin with questions. 

PCAS Athletes Redefine Possible

Meet some of our adapted sports athletes

At year’s end, we highlight athletes from our programs who embody hard work, dedication, and success. Each one Redefining Possible.

Michelle Wheeler

Currently a student at Penn State University pursuing her Master of Science degree, Michelle participates in PCAS sports programs like hand cycling, kayaking, and skiing.

Read More

Bernadette Giddens

Bernadette is an educator at Overbrook School for the Blind. Since joining PCAS in 1993, she’s participated in rowing, cycling, kayaking, sailing, climbing, skiing, and rollerblading.

Read More

Matt Wendig

Eighth-grader Matt is a PCAS Youth Track and Field competitive athlete who also skates for a sled hockey team and participates in swimming, adaptive gym, and wheelchair racing programs.

Read More

Will Chernets

A confident high school sophomore who loves the excitement of adaptive sports, Will rows with PCAS’ Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing program and is active in biking, basketball and sled hockey.

Read More

PCAS Proud

Everyone involved with the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports knows the great work we do, providing adaptive sports, fitness and wellness programs to children and adults with disabilities.

With the support of 500 volunteers and coaches, this past year PCAS served 2,000 individuals with disabilities.

These are very impressive results!

But our work is far from complete. We still have many to reach in our communities who do not yet participate, so they too can benefit from the ability of adaptive sports to transform their lives. We firmly believe in inclusive communities where everyone, regardless of ability, has an equal opportunity to participate in sports and recreation. And we work every day towards building this community and we can’t do this without the help of our volunteers and donors.

PCAS focuses on maximizing impact and honoring every donor investing in our organization. We maintain a high rate of financial commitment to our direct service programming. During the past fiscal year, 80 cents of every dollar spent was directed to programs for the people we serve. Our financial stability, innovative approaches, and enduring commitment to our constituency has been rewarded with greater donor and stakeholder support than we have ever had before.

Here are just a few of the ways PCAS has benefited this past year from philanthropic support:

• Our 2018 annual appeal generated nearly $20,000.

• The Cinco de Mayo Bike Ride and Walk raised over $40,000.

• The BAYADA Regatta, the largest adaptive rowing competition in the country, is made possible each year by the generosity of Mark Baiada and the BAYADA organization, which funds and manages the two-day event and provides hundreds of volunteer hours.

• This year we were awarded the $50,000 WAWA Foundation Hero Award.

• The Warrington Rotary supported our boatyard expansion with both funding and volunteer labor.

• One ski camp participant raised $1,500 for the program through her Bat mitzvah.

• Certa-Pro Painters painted our Boathouse free of charge, while Sherwin Williams donated the paint. It looks beautiful!

• The family of one PCAS athlete who passed away this year requested that donations be made in her memory to PCAS.

Above: Warrington, PA Rotary members helping at the boathouse

There are many ways our donors and sponsors can keep PCAS vibrant and growing:

buying equipment, supporting training costs, expanding program offerings, alleviating space constraints and meeting the increasing costs of adapted technology. All of these efforts enable fun and healthy activities for hundreds of children and adults with disabilities in our area.

Our appreciation of PCAS supporters is best said by one of the parents of a Track and Field athlete: “I want to say thank you for allowing our athletes to receive a portion of their travel expenses to the nationals this year. It is such a big help and very much appreciated as this is a growing expense each year. Madison’s goal is to one day compete at the Paralympic level.”

PCAS is profoundly grateful to our donors, sponsors and volunteers for your continued support. As we enter this season of giving and thanksgiving, know that we are especially thankful for you!

(Contributed by Meg Jones)

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PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Michelle Wheeler

PCAS Athlete Michelle Wheeler, a happy medal recipient!

If you’ve spent time at PCAS events, there’s a good chance that you’ve gotten to know Michelle Wheeler. The daughter of Bill and Joan Wheeler, Michelle got involved with PCAS at a young age and continues to be involved in many of its programs. “My mom and dad brought us to PCAS when I was about 10 years old,” Michelle said. “My siblings Melissa and Danny and I, did wheelchair basketball, hand cycling, kayaking, skiing, and more when we were younger, even at a time when there weren’t many programs for people with disabilities. Now there are more, but I still recommend PCAS to a lot of people. It’s made me the athlete I am today, and it’s become a big part of my life,” she added.

Michelle is currently earning her master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Penn State University. She plans to continue her studies and pursue her PhD. She is also the mother of 10-year-old Eva, a frequent participant in and helper at PCAS events.

Michelle competes in marathons as an elite wheelchair racer around the world. Michelle recently placed 9th in the Women's Wheelchair division of the Chicago Marathon in October, and more recently was named as a member of the 2019 US Paralympics Track and Field Marathon World Championships Team, and she is hoping to qualify for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Michelle competing in the 2016 BAYADA Regatta

Michelle competing in an elite wheelchair race

I really love PCAS,” Michelle said. “I love the comradery among the volunteers and athletes.” Michelle noted that PCAS is so much more than the activities it offers — it is an advocacy group made up of people who feel like family. “My whole life, I never felt limited in what I could do, because I was always surrounded by people who encouraged me,” Michelle added. “PCAS has been a big part of that.”

(Contributed by Irene McKnight)

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PCAS PROGRAMS

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR)

On October 26th and 27th, PAR athletes took part in the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, an event with 8,500 rowers. The adaptive races kicked off the regatta at 8 AM Saturday. We had gorgeous fall weather and a great showing of athletes from around the region. Four doubles hailed from PAR, placing 2nd through 5th out of six boats. John Doughty and his partner received 2nd place and Will Chernets and his partner 3rd place.

You can review the official race results here: HOS Regatta Results.

The adaptive race was 4000 meters; our boats were on the water for about an hour, including race time to Boathouse Row, and then paddling back to Temple Boathouse – an excellent workout for everyone.

With a regatta of this size, handling boat traffic and maneuvering through bridges is a major part of the experience. The racecourse has four bridges through which rowers must navigate safely. All of our athletes prepared for this challenge at our Monday night practices.

As competitors navigate the course, they may need to pass one another or give way, depending on how crowded the course is through the bridge arches. Due to their training, everyone managed their course expertly during our race with no mishaps.

Will Chernets and partner

John Doughty getting ready to race

All of our medal recipients enjoyed the social aspect of race day while riding in golf carts from Temple Boathouse to the awards tent. After receiving their medals, doubles partners had the chance to have their photos taken on the awards stage, capturing that special moment.

(Contributed by Jen Koch)

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PCAS NEWS

A new kind of program at PCAS

Dance program in collaboration with Temple University

We are introducing a new concept of short term activities called Pop-up Programs. The design of these programs is that they are easy to get involved in, don’t require long term commitment and provide additional ways for our community members to stay active during breaks of our regular offerings. According to Jeff McGinnis, Executive Director of PCAS, “We wanted to offer new activities that will be fun and exciting, but aren’t part of our standard program mix”.

Pop-up programs will run from 2-6 weeks. The first program, Adaptive Dance, started on November 7th and is in partnership with Temple University. Additional activities being considered are pickleball and wheelchair boxing. For more information and to suggest activities contact Judy Morrison.

(Contributed by Jeff McGinnis)

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Adaptive Climbing

Second Wednesday of the month, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Gravity Vault, 175 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA
All experience levels, abilities and ages are welcome.
Contact Pat Bost for more information.

Adaptive Dance Program

Thursday afternoons, 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Runs thru December 12th
Temple University, Pearson Hall, 1800 N. Broad Street
Contact Judy Morrison for more information.

Indoor Rowing

Mondays, through winter. 6:00 - 7:30 PM (Start date: January 6)
St. Joseph University Boathouse, 2200 Kelly Drive, Philadelphia PA
Contact Judy Morrison for more information.
Cost: $20.00 for the season (10 weeks/20 sessions)
First session is free for new participants to try.

Ski Program

December through March
Camelback Ski Resort
Email to book your ski lesson or to learn more about volunteer opportunities. We welcome all abilities and levels of experience.

The 38th Annual BAYADA Regatta

PCAS in the News

The 38th Annual BAYADA Regatta

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR) hosted the 38th annual BAYADA Regatta on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia on August 17th. Together, BAYADA Home Health Care and PAR have grown this regatta to be the premier adaptive rowing event in the country.

Will Chernets on his way to a medal

Rowers from thirteen clubs competed in 33 races, some for the first time. Clubs included: Athletes Without Limits, Atlanta Rowing Club, Brooks, Capital Adaptive Rowing Program, Halifax Rowing Association, Holyoke Rows, Lake Sunapee RC, MedStar NRH Rowing Program, Row New York, Sofia Sees Hope, Three Rivers Rowing Association, West Side Rowing Club, and PAR.

PAR competed in 13 of the 33 races and won 16 medals including eight gold, four silver and four bronze medals.

Matt Smith taking a photo of a PAR boat launch

Maddie Jones wins Gold

Members of PAR realize the importance of the regatta, not only in advancing the sport of adaptive rowing, but also in fostering the national reach of our communities. The following post was taken from the Capital Adaptive Rowing website and illustrates what it is to experience the BAYADA Regatta.

“Bayada is a weekend-long experience for our attendees – beginning with travel and carpool Friday afternoon, the evening Jolly-Up event mingling with teammates (our own and others), and coaches’ meetings.” The author continues, “This event remains one of my favorites of the entire year due to the comradery displayed; all teams and all athletes really look out for and support each other, from sharing equipment to enable everyone the opportunity to get on the water, to cheering for all opponents.”
(Posted August 12, 2019.)

This comradery continued into the evening with the BAYADA Regatta banquet, and presentation of the Leo Reilly Award. This award is presented each year to honor an athlete who embodies Leo’s spirit: love of life and determination despite extreme physical challenges. Our 2019 Leo Reilly Award recipient was Jim Heberlein from West Side Rowing Club in Buffalo, NY. In expressing his gratitude, Jim shared his very moving story and explained how adaptive rowing saved his life.
(Contributed by Lynn McGillin)

Regatta Volunteers

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PCAS People in the News

Youth Track and Field Athlete Matt Wendig

Matt Wendig is an active, straight-A, 8th grade student at Lionville Middle School.

Matt at the Masonic Games

He has been a member of the Philadelphia Hammerheads sled hockey team for five years. Matt has also been participating in the adaptive gym and swimming programs at West Chester University. It was during his involvement with the WCU swim program that Matt was invited to try track and field.

This past season Matt had the opportunity to participate in the Masonic Games, where he was able to compete in javelin, shot put, discus and two swimming events. This was his first competition in both track and field and swimming, and he enjoyed competing with other athletes. Matt said he was impressed by the ability of the older kids, especially in the different field events. Matt says he can’t wait for next season when he will be able to compete in some of the racing events. He was able to get a racing wheelchair this summer and is now training for the 100, 200, and 400-meter races.

Matt at the Masonic Games

Matt’s favorite part of the PCAS track and field program is the wheelchair racing. He says he loves to race and go fast. He enjoys the coaching he receives from Michelle Wheeler and would like to compete at a high level like Michelle does. Matt hopes to continue to participate in both hockey and track and field when he eventually goes to college. His goal is to represent Team USA in track and field at the Paralympics.
(Contributed by Craig Rittase)

Matt Wendig training with Michelle Wheeler

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PCAS Programs

YOGA

Yoga offers a wide range of benefits. It builds strength, increases flexibility, releases tension, boosts your immune system, improves lung functions, and much more.

The health advantages of yoga extend well beyond the physical and include many cognitive benefits. People who do yoga have greater focus, are more relaxed, have peace of mind, and develop inner strength. It actually makes you happier!

Anyone can practice yoga. Good yoga instructors guide students through the poses, help adjust their position, and let them know when to go deeper and when to hold back. Our yoga instructor is amazing! Mamie Guidera has been practicing yoga for over fifteen years and teaching since 2015. She started the PCAS program three years ago, and adaptive yoga is her specialty. In addition to being a Yogi, Mamie also is a certified nurse midwife and senior lecturer at University of Pennsylvania, and participates in our rowing program.

Mamie notes that, “Yoga is about more than saying Om. It wakes you up! If you are feeling low energy in the middle of the day, a few good poses accompanied by deep breathing rejuvenates.” She practices what she preaches: “I have been known to stand on my head outside my office door, to wake up prior to a lecture.”

Yoga is a great activity for anyone. “Just about any pose in yoga can be adapted for disability, and you will still get the same benefits from the pose,” Mamie says, “For example, if a disability makes it difficult for you to stand, a standing pose can be done on the floor, lying on your back with your feet pressed against the wall.” There are always volunteers available to help with positioning or stretching.

Yoga classes started on Wednesday, October 2nd and will run through November 13th on Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Lloyd Hall, #1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA. Contact Mamie if you are interested in participating or being a volunteer.
(Contributed by Andrea Pampaloni)

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Upcoming Events

Adaptive Climbing

Second Wednesday of the month, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Gravity Vault, 175 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA
All experience levels, abilities and ages are welcome.
Contact Pat Bost for more information.

Adaptive Dance Program

Thursday afternoons, 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Beginning November 7th - runs thru December 12th
Temple University, Pearson Hall, 1800 N. Broad Street
Contact Judy Morrison for more information.

Adaptive Yoga

Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Lloyd Hall, #1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia PA
Contact Mamie Guidera for more information.

Indoor Rowing

Mondays, through winter. 6:30 - 7:45 PM (Start date TBD)
St. Joseph University Boathouse, 2200 Kelly Drive, Philadelphia PA
Contact Judy Morrison for more information.

Ski Program

December through March
Camelback Ski Resort
Call 215-765-5118, or email to book your ski lesson.
Contact us for volunteer opportunities. We welcome all abilities and levels of experience.

PCAS Social - Save the Date!

Saturday, December 14th, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Miss Philly Grill, 2957 Philmont Ave, Huntingdon Valley, PA

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Competition Results

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing had 19 of its athletes compete in the BAYADA Regatta on August 17th including: Matt Ahmie, Chris Artur, Bill Beck, Will Chernets, Bethany Davis, John Doughty, Hugh Gallagher, Maddy Garber, Lisa Gherardi, Maddie Jones, Bobby Keyes, Brett Leatherwood, Jim Loudon, Susan Ongirski, Craig Rittase, Christine Rouse, Dan Thornton Danny Wheeler and Melissa Wheeler.

Congratulations to the team in bringing home 16 medals. Results on row2K.

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Get Ready for the BAYADA Regatta!

PCAS in the News

The 38th Annual BAYADA Regatta

On Saturday August 17th, rowers from Philadelphia and around the US, along with their families, friends and volunteers, will converge on the banks of the Schuylkill River to participate in the 38th BAYADA Regatta.

Maddy Jones, center, Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing club member, enjoying the race preparations

The regatta which started in 1981 with a few rowers has grown into one of the largest all-adapted rowing regattas in the world.

This year there will be 32 races with rowers from 15 clubs, including several teams participating in the regatta for the first time.

As the regatta's host club, Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR), starts preparing for the regatta on Thursday evening, packing their truck with equipment and rowing boats up to St. Joe’s Boathouse.

The regatta will be held at the St Joseph’s University’s Gillin Boat Club, 2200 Kelly Drive, about one mile below Falls Bridge. Kelly Drive will be closed to non-regatta traffic, but participants and fans can get through. When you arrive at the event police barricade, tell them you are attending the regatta, and they will let you through.

Spectators can park along Kelly Drive, and enter the event at the down-river (South) side of the boathouse. Teams and volunteers will park in the lot on the up-river (North) side of the boathouse.

Ricky Howard, Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing club member, getting ready for race in 2018

Each year referees and event operators make certain that all races start on time and proceed without incident. Dock Masters Pete McNamara and Eve Putkovich will orchestrate the races. Lane Crews on the dock will assure that rowers are ready and that their boats are properly rigged. In addition, hundreds of volunteers, from BAYADA, PAR and visiting crews will be working throughout the day to ensure a perfect event.

Attendance at the regatta is totally free, including the parking, the music, soft pretzels and bottled water. So please come, support the rowers, and enjoy these exciting races!

Regatta Volunteers

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PCAS Programs

A Pledge to the Dredge

The Schuylkill River has not been dredged since 1999, and twenty years of silt build-up has taken a toll.

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR) volunteers helping to clean our boathouse channel

Both rowing shells and motorized launches often find themselves stuck in front of Boathouse Row. And for PAR rowers, the channel from the boathouse out to the river shallows out, especially near the turn where the channel meets the river.

The overall impact is dire. Regattas are increasingly at risk of losing racing lanes, which could cause participants to pull out of competition. Canceling even one regatta would be an enormous blow to Philadelphia's economy and to our scholastic athletes.

To address the situation, the Schuylkill Navy looked to the Army Corps of Engineers (COE) for help. In the past, the COE has funded any necessary dredging, but not this time. Instead, the COE has agreed to perform the dredging, but indicated that they would not be paying for it.

Recognizing the dire situation, the Schuylkill Navy stepped up, took the initiative and successfully raised $4.5 million, well over half of the funding needed for the “big dig”.

Local universities have also stepped up generously, raising $2 million in donations, according to Schuylkill Navy Delegate Henry Hauptfuhrer. Contributions have also come from various rowing clubs, the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and many generous individuals – truly a community effort.

The Schuylkill Navy will be coordinating communications between the COE and local boathouses to keep everyone updated on the schedule and process.

Originally scheduled to start after the July 4th Independence Day Regatta, dredging now is likely to be put off until next year.

The three main areas to be dredged are the racecourse between the Strawberry Mansion Bridge and Peter’s Island, by the docks along Boathouse Row, and our access channel from the PAR Boathouse to the river.

Boathouse Row and the PAR dock areas are expected to be done first, to accommodate the turtles (yes, turtles!) that rowers often see sunning themselves on the rocks along the shoreline. In the winter, turtles burrow into the riverbed. If dredging were done after temperatures drop, it would disrupt the ecosystem, and create a significant population of homeless turtles. For that reason, the Corps of Engineers will dredge those areas considering the turtle’s hibernation pattern.

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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PCAS People in the News

Youth Track and Field Coach Darla Clayton

Youth Track and Field is one of Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports (PCAS) newer programs. We have Dr. Darla Clayton to thank for her work as founder of this program and as coach for this incredible group of kids.

Darla and the champion PCAS Track and Field team at the Nationals

Darla Clayton was living in Pittsburgh when she became interested in adaptive sports. Her son Trent competed for the first time at the age of 7. He ran in 60-meter, 100-meter and 200-meter races, and qualified to compete at Junior Nationals which was held in Michigan that year.

With that trip to Junior Nationals, the whole family was hooked! On the way home Trent asked if they could start an adaptive sports team. Darla agreed, "having absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into."

When Darla and her family moved from Pittsburgh to West Chester, PA, she connected with the Pennsylvania Center for Adaptive Sports, and PCAS gladly opened the Youth Track and Field as a new adaptive sport program, with Darla as head coach and program lead.

Darla is a winning coach, having taken the team to Junior Nationals for the past 8 years. They are currently the 1st place team in their division, for the third year in a row!

Darla dedicates many hours both in-season and in the off-season to her Track and Field kids. She jokingly calls herself the "chief cook and bottle washer" of the team, Darla contributes, by not only coaching the team weekly from April through July, but she also facilitates the athletes winter, off the field training, including helping with the swimming program at West Chester University. She also coordinates and travels with the team to two meets per year, the Regional and National events. And to top it off, Darla makes her own team attire including tee-shirts and hats you see in the photo.

Darla is a strong proponent of adaptive sports and feels passionately about providing opportunities for youth with physical challenges to stay active. She says, “it’s about physical fitness, but it’s also about so much more. Being part of a team, learning to work together, making friends, and being around people who really get it, these things are priceless for my kids."

Darla is fun. She smiles all the time and looks for the positive in any situation and person. She is always asking how she can help. Beyond being a great volunteer for PCAS, it was Darla who suggested PCAS enter the WAWA Foundation Hero Award this year. When PCAS won the top award, Darla was the unsung hero.

PCAS applauds and thanks Darla Clayton for her hard work, good ideas, and dedication in coaching the Youth Track and Field team.

Coach Darla has a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, working for Angioma Alliance as a community engagement and fundraising specialist. She is also a board member of Adaptive Track and Field USA and is an advisory board member of the Dralla Foundation.

For more information on PCAS' Youth Track and Field, contact Jeff McGinnis.

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Competition Results

PCAS Youth Track and Field -
Third consecutive division title!

Team PCAS had six athletes compete in Adaptive Sports USA's Junior Nationals: Jana, Hari, Trent, Ekow, Madison and Ava.

Competition was tough this year but they worked hard and came away with a team win. Our team is bringing home first place in our division!

Jana, Madison and Ekow competed in the triathlon relay, coming in 2nd place.

Hari competed in archery coming in 3rd and Trent competed in air guns placing 3rd.

Madison, Ekow, Ava and Trent competed in swimming events, winning a combined 10 gold medals, 14 silver medals and 2 bronze medals and Ava broke 3 national records in swim!!

We had 6 athletes compete in field events, coming away with a combined 13 gold medals, 5 silver medals and 2 bronze with Trent breaking the discus record with a throw of 27.82 meters, and Madison breaking the discus and javelin records.

We had 5 athletes compete in track events winning a combined total of 25 gold medals, 3 gold and 2 bronze medals at track. Overall our team was outstanding both in athletics and sportsmanship!

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Click here to donate.

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