Participants prepare for the First Paddle. Photograph courtesy of OPAF.
OPAF’s First Swim, First Paddle, and First Dive clinics were held concurrently on May 1 at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Ypsilanti, giving the 17 attendees the opportunity to participate in each of the adaptive water sports. The clinics were sponsored by the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Orthotics and Prosthetics Center (UMOPC), and coordinated by the students of the EMU master of science in orthotics and prosthetics program. The students recruited volunteers and refreshment sponsors from A New Life Center, Flint, Michigan; Ropp Orthopedic Clinic, Commerce, Michigan; Star Rehab, Grand Blanc, Michigan; and nonprofit Special Opportunities in Advanced Rehabilitation (SOAR). Equipment was provided by the Athletes with Disabilities Network (ADN).
