A First Paddle participant gets instruction on paddling technique.
Photograph courtesy of OPAF.
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) recently hosted three OPAF First Clinics-First Swim, First Paddle, and First Dive-which were held concurrently to offer attendees a choice of adaptive water sports to participate in. The multi-clinic was sponsored by the University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center and Michigan-based Becker Orthopedic, and coordinated by the EMU O&P master’s program students. EMU classmates Meghan Baley, Jamie Howard, David Trevisan, Katie Blaharski and Blake Brennan coordinated the job of setting up the First Clinics with guidance from EMU staff, Wendy Beattie, CPO, FAAOP. They also recruited volunteers for the day, along with refreshment sponsors, including Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics, Detroit, and Ropp Orthopedic Clinic, Commerce Charter Township, Michigan. Equipment was provided by Athletes with Disabilities Network; Capital City Scuba, Lansing, Michigan, and the EMU Paddlers.
More than 20 participants took advantage of instruction in adaptive swimming, scuba, and kayaking throughout the day at the Olympic-size swimming pool facility at EMU.
