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
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
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)
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
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.
