Genesis Offers Experience Of Water Skiing To People With Physical Disabilities
Davenport, IA – People with disabilities often have to sit along the shore and watch as others enjoy the fun and excitement of water-skiing. Not any more.
For the second year, the Genesis Therapeutic Recreation Department and the Backwater Gamblers are offering a unique adaptive water-ski clinic for people with disabilities. This alternative recreation activity clinic promotes independence and allows people with physical disabilities to experience something they did not think was possible -- the thrill and excitement of water sports. The clinic features trained instructors and water-skiing equipment especially designed for those with physical disabilities.
The free clinic begins at 9 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Backwater Gamblers ski dock, off of 44th Street in Rock Island. There are 15 openings for prospective skiers. Participants must complete a pre-registration form prior to the event. Registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 12. Cost to participate is $5.
People who have disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, acquired brain injury or polio or who are legally blind, are encouraged to participate. Skiers must have the cognitive ability to follow directions and be able to pass a water safety test. For example they must, while wearing a life jacket, be able to have their head underwater and then upright themselves again.
Glen Sancken, a recreational therapist at Genesis, worked to launch the program in the Quad Cities after participating in a similar ski clinic two years ago in Waterloo. Seventeen years ago, he became a paraplegic after he bruised his spinal cord in a car accident. “I just had an amazing time,” he said. “That was the first time I had skied since my accident. I had such a powerful experience, I wanted to bring this to the Quad Cities.”
Dennis Heggen, Club President of the Backwater Gamblers, said it’s a very moving experience for the club’s water skiers to volunteer for the event. “I think it’s one of the most worthwhile things our club has ever done.”
To obtain a registration form or for more information, contact the clinic director, Glen Sancken, at Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park, Therapeutic Recreation Department, 563-421-1443.
The Genesis Therapeutic Recreation Department helps patients utilize existing skills and interests to aid in the healing process. Recreation therapists develop treatment plans to promote the independent physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning of a person who has been debilitated as a result of trauma or disease.