For people in the Okanagan, having fun on the water is a right, not a privilege.

That91裸聊视频檚 why the Vernon Adaptive program brought back an event that gives people with disabilities the chance to learn how to paddle on Okanagan Lake.

At least 60 people came out to a free barbecue at Paddlewheel Park Friday, Sept. 15, where members of Vernon Adaptive used their specialized equipment to get people on the water, no matter the barriers they face.

Brodie Shaw91裸聊视频檚 smile couldn91裸聊视频檛 be contained as he took his first paddleboard ride in his wheelchair on a paddleboard fitted with four outriggers for balance.

Vernon Adaptive manager and recreation therapist Jordan Kerton stood with Shaw on the board and paddled him around the bay.

91裸聊视频淲e live in the most beautiful place on earth I think,91裸聊视频� Kerton said. 91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e surrounded by all these lakes and this is a part of our culture, paddling, as a community at large. We want to make sure that everybody has the chance to get out there and they91裸聊视频檙e not left sitting on the sidelines watching.91裸聊视频�

As a recreation therapist, Kerton takes leisure and recreation activities and modifies them for anyone91裸聊视频檚 needs, using these activities as therapeutic tools that allow people to build new skills, create friendships and, in this case, take part in an Okanagan rite of passage.

Inclusive paddling isn91裸聊视频檛 just a one-time-only event; Vernon Adaptive regularly gets people out on the water, often partnering with Venture Training, and feedback from the community indicates the program is having success teaching people how to paddle all while building self-confidence.

91裸聊视频淭here91裸聊视频檚 a crew from Venture Training that has come out for the last two summers, once a week,91裸聊视频� said Kerton. 91裸聊视频淚n the beginning everyone was sitting on a paddleboard. (Now) folks are standing, folks are independently paddling themselves.91裸聊视频�

The event was sponsored by IG Wealth Management and Spinal Cord Injury BC, who Kerton thanked for providing the free barbecue for those in attendance and for supporting the program throughout the season.

91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e really here celebrating the expansion of our program,91裸聊视频� Kerton said, explaining Vernon Adaptive recently received a $10,000 grant from the Kalamalka Rotary Club to help purchase more equipment. The team also just installed a brand new shipping container that was donated by a member of the community which will be used to store equipment.

91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e thrilled that the Vernon Paddling Centre has been so supportive of this initiative and they91裸聊视频檝e taken our program under their wings and given us a home base here,91裸聊视频� said Kerton.

Anyone can learn to paddle with Vernon Adaptive; email to learn more or book a paddle.

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