PCAS Proud

Everyone involved with the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports knows the great work we do, providing adaptive sports, fitness and wellness programs to children and adults with disabilities.

With the support of 500 volunteers and coaches, this past year PCAS served 2,000 individuals with disabilities.

These are very impressive results!

But our work is far from complete. We still have many to reach in our communities who do not yet participate, so they too can benefit from the ability of adaptive sports to transform their lives. We firmly believe in inclusive communities where everyone, regardless of ability, has an equal opportunity to participate in sports and recreation. And we work every day towards building this community and we can’t do this without the help of our volunteers and donors.

PCAS focuses on maximizing impact and honoring every donor investing in our organization. We maintain a high rate of financial commitment to our direct service programming. During the past fiscal year, 80 cents of every dollar spent was directed to programs for the people we serve. Our financial stability, innovative approaches, and enduring commitment to our constituency has been rewarded with greater donor and stakeholder support than we have ever had before.

Here are just a few of the ways PCAS has benefited this past year from philanthropic support:

• Our 2018 annual appeal generated nearly $20,000.

• The Cinco de Mayo Bike Ride and Walk raised over $40,000.

• The BAYADA Regatta, the largest adaptive rowing competition in the country, is made possible each year by the generosity of Mark Baiada and the BAYADA organization, which funds and manages the two-day event and provides hundreds of volunteer hours.

• This year we were awarded the $50,000 WAWA Foundation Hero Award.

• The Warrington Rotary supported our boatyard expansion with both funding and volunteer labor.

• One ski camp participant raised $1,500 for the program through her Bat mitzvah.

• Certa-Pro Painters painted our Boathouse free of charge, while Sherwin Williams donated the paint. It looks beautiful!

• The family of one PCAS athlete who passed away this year requested that donations be made in her memory to PCAS.

Above: Warrington, PA Rotary members helping at the boathouse

There are many ways our donors and sponsors can keep PCAS vibrant and growing:

buying equipment, supporting training costs, expanding program offerings, alleviating space constraints and meeting the increasing costs of adapted technology. All of these efforts enable fun and healthy activities for hundreds of children and adults with disabilities in our area.

Our appreciation of PCAS supporters is best said by one of the parents of a Track and Field athlete: “I want to say thank you for allowing our athletes to receive a portion of their travel expenses to the nationals this year. It is such a big help and very much appreciated as this is a growing expense each year. Madison’s goal is to one day compete at the Paralympic level.”

PCAS is profoundly grateful to our donors, sponsors and volunteers for your continued support. As we enter this season of giving and thanksgiving, know that we are especially thankful for you!

(Contributed by Meg Jones)

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PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Michelle Wheeler

PCAS Athlete Michelle Wheeler, a happy medal recipient!

If you’ve spent time at PCAS events, there’s a good chance that you’ve gotten to know Michelle Wheeler. The daughter of Bill and Joan Wheeler, Michelle got involved with PCAS at a young age and continues to be involved in many of its programs. “My mom and dad brought us to PCAS when I was about 10 years old,” Michelle said. “My siblings Melissa and Danny and I, did wheelchair basketball, hand cycling, kayaking, skiing, and more when we were younger, even at a time when there weren’t many programs for people with disabilities. Now there are more, but I still recommend PCAS to a lot of people. It’s made me the athlete I am today, and it’s become a big part of my life,” she added.

Michelle is currently earning her master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Penn State University. She plans to continue her studies and pursue her PhD. She is also the mother of 10-year-old Eva, a frequent participant in and helper at PCAS events.

Michelle competes in marathons as an elite wheelchair racer around the world. Michelle recently placed 9th in the Women's Wheelchair division of the Chicago Marathon in October, and more recently was named as a member of the 2019 US Paralympics Track and Field Marathon World Championships Team, and she is hoping to qualify for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Michelle competing in the 2016 BAYADA Regatta

Michelle competing in an elite wheelchair race

I really love PCAS,” Michelle said. “I love the comradery among the volunteers and athletes.” Michelle noted that PCAS is so much more than the activities it offers — it is an advocacy group made up of people who feel like family. “My whole life, I never felt limited in what I could do, because I was always surrounded by people who encouraged me,” Michelle added. “PCAS has been a big part of that.”

(Contributed by Irene McKnight)

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PCAS PROGRAMS

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR)

On October 26th and 27th, PAR athletes took part in the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, an event with 8,500 rowers. The adaptive races kicked off the regatta at 8 AM Saturday. We had gorgeous fall weather and a great showing of athletes from around the region. Four doubles hailed from PAR, placing 2nd through 5th out of six boats. John Doughty and his partner received 2nd place and Will Chernets and his partner 3rd place.

You can review the official race results here: HOS Regatta Results.

The adaptive race was 4000 meters; our boats were on the water for about an hour, including race time to Boathouse Row, and then paddling back to Temple Boathouse – an excellent workout for everyone.

With a regatta of this size, handling boat traffic and maneuvering through bridges is a major part of the experience. The racecourse has four bridges through which rowers must navigate safely. All of our athletes prepared for this challenge at our Monday night practices.

As competitors navigate the course, they may need to pass one another or give way, depending on how crowded the course is through the bridge arches. Due to their training, everyone managed their course expertly during our race with no mishaps.

Will Chernets and partner

John Doughty getting ready to race

All of our medal recipients enjoyed the social aspect of race day while riding in golf carts from Temple Boathouse to the awards tent. After receiving their medals, doubles partners had the chance to have their photos taken on the awards stage, capturing that special moment.

(Contributed by Jen Koch)

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PCAS NEWS

A new kind of program at PCAS

Dance program in collaboration with Temple University

We are introducing a new concept of short term activities called Pop-up Programs. The design of these programs is that they are easy to get involved in, don’t require long term commitment and provide additional ways for our community members to stay active during breaks of our regular offerings. According to Jeff McGinnis, Executive Director of PCAS, “We wanted to offer new activities that will be fun and exciting, but aren’t part of our standard program mix”.

Pop-up programs will run from 2-6 weeks. The first program, Adaptive Dance, started on November 7th and is in partnership with Temple University. Additional activities being considered are pickleball and wheelchair boxing. For more information and to suggest activities contact Judy Morrison.

(Contributed by Jeff McGinnis)

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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
Runs thru December 12th
Temple University, Pearson Hall, 1800 N. Broad Street
Contact Judy Morrison for more information.

Indoor Rowing

Mondays, through winter. 6:00 - 7:30 PM (Start date: January 6)
St. Joseph University Boathouse, 2200 Kelly Drive, Philadelphia PA
Contact Judy Morrison for more information.
Cost: $20.00 for the season (10 weeks/20 sessions)
First session is free for new participants to try.

Ski Program

December through March
Camelback Ski Resort
Email to book your ski lesson or to learn more about volunteer opportunities. We welcome all abilities and levels of experience.

The 38th Annual BAYADA Regatta

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

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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

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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)

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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

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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.

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Get Ready for the BAYADA Regatta!

PCAS in the News

The 38th Annual BAYADA Regatta

On Saturday August 17th, rowers from Philadelphia and around the US, along with their families, friends and volunteers, will converge on the banks of the Schuylkill River to participate in the 38th BAYADA Regatta.

Maddy Jones, center, Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing club member, enjoying the race preparations

The regatta which started in 1981 with a few rowers has grown into one of the largest all-adapted rowing regattas in the world.

This year there will be 32 races with rowers from 15 clubs, including several teams participating in the regatta for the first time.

As the regatta's host club, Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR), starts preparing for the regatta on Thursday evening, packing their truck with equipment and rowing boats up to St. Joe’s Boathouse.

The regatta will be held at the St Joseph’s University’s Gillin Boat Club, 2200 Kelly Drive, about one mile below Falls Bridge. Kelly Drive will be closed to non-regatta traffic, but participants and fans can get through. When you arrive at the event police barricade, tell them you are attending the regatta, and they will let you through.

Spectators can park along Kelly Drive, and enter the event at the down-river (South) side of the boathouse. Teams and volunteers will park in the lot on the up-river (North) side of the boathouse.

Ricky Howard, Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing club member, getting ready for race in 2018

Each year referees and event operators make certain that all races start on time and proceed without incident. Dock Masters Pete McNamara and Eve Putkovich will orchestrate the races. Lane Crews on the dock will assure that rowers are ready and that their boats are properly rigged. In addition, hundreds of volunteers, from BAYADA, PAR and visiting crews will be working throughout the day to ensure a perfect event.

Attendance at the regatta is totally free, including the parking, the music, soft pretzels and bottled water. So please come, support the rowers, and enjoy these exciting races!

Regatta Volunteers

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PCAS Programs

A Pledge to the Dredge

The Schuylkill River has not been dredged since 1999, and twenty years of silt build-up has taken a toll.

Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR) volunteers helping to clean our boathouse channel

Both rowing shells and motorized launches often find themselves stuck in front of Boathouse Row. And for PAR rowers, the channel from the boathouse out to the river shallows out, especially near the turn where the channel meets the river.

The overall impact is dire. Regattas are increasingly at risk of losing racing lanes, which could cause participants to pull out of competition. Canceling even one regatta would be an enormous blow to Philadelphia's economy and to our scholastic athletes.

To address the situation, the Schuylkill Navy looked to the Army Corps of Engineers (COE) for help. In the past, the COE has funded any necessary dredging, but not this time. Instead, the COE has agreed to perform the dredging, but indicated that they would not be paying for it.

Recognizing the dire situation, the Schuylkill Navy stepped up, took the initiative and successfully raised $4.5 million, well over half of the funding needed for the “big dig”.

Local universities have also stepped up generously, raising $2 million in donations, according to Schuylkill Navy Delegate Henry Hauptfuhrer. Contributions have also come from various rowing clubs, the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and many generous individuals – truly a community effort.

The Schuylkill Navy will be coordinating communications between the COE and local boathouses to keep everyone updated on the schedule and process.

Originally scheduled to start after the July 4th Independence Day Regatta, dredging now is likely to be put off until next year.

The three main areas to be dredged are the racecourse between the Strawberry Mansion Bridge and Peter’s Island, by the docks along Boathouse Row, and our access channel from the PAR Boathouse to the river.

Boathouse Row and the PAR dock areas are expected to be done first, to accommodate the turtles (yes, turtles!) that rowers often see sunning themselves on the rocks along the shoreline. In the winter, turtles burrow into the riverbed. If dredging were done after temperatures drop, it would disrupt the ecosystem, and create a significant population of homeless turtles. For that reason, the Corps of Engineers will dredge those areas considering the turtle’s hibernation pattern.

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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PCAS People in the News

Youth Track and Field Coach Darla Clayton

Youth Track and Field is one of Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports (PCAS) newer programs. We have Dr. Darla Clayton to thank for her work as founder of this program and as coach for this incredible group of kids.

Darla and the champion PCAS Track and Field team at the Nationals

Darla Clayton was living in Pittsburgh when she became interested in adaptive sports. Her son Trent competed for the first time at the age of 7. He ran in 60-meter, 100-meter and 200-meter races, and qualified to compete at Junior Nationals which was held in Michigan that year.

With that trip to Junior Nationals, the whole family was hooked! On the way home Trent asked if they could start an adaptive sports team. Darla agreed, "having absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into."

When Darla and her family moved from Pittsburgh to West Chester, PA, she connected with the Pennsylvania Center for Adaptive Sports, and PCAS gladly opened the Youth Track and Field as a new adaptive sport program, with Darla as head coach and program lead.

Darla is a winning coach, having taken the team to Junior Nationals for the past 8 years. They are currently the 1st place team in their division, for the third year in a row!

Darla dedicates many hours both in-season and in the off-season to her Track and Field kids. She jokingly calls herself the "chief cook and bottle washer" of the team, Darla contributes, by not only coaching the team weekly from April through July, but she also facilitates the athletes winter, off the field training, including helping with the swimming program at West Chester University. She also coordinates and travels with the team to two meets per year, the Regional and National events. And to top it off, Darla makes her own team attire including tee-shirts and hats you see in the photo.

Darla is a strong proponent of adaptive sports and feels passionately about providing opportunities for youth with physical challenges to stay active. She says, “it’s about physical fitness, but it’s also about so much more. Being part of a team, learning to work together, making friends, and being around people who really get it, these things are priceless for my kids."

Darla is fun. She smiles all the time and looks for the positive in any situation and person. She is always asking how she can help. Beyond being a great volunteer for PCAS, it was Darla who suggested PCAS enter the WAWA Foundation Hero Award this year. When PCAS won the top award, Darla was the unsung hero.

PCAS applauds and thanks Darla Clayton for her hard work, good ideas, and dedication in coaching the Youth Track and Field team.

Coach Darla has a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, working for Angioma Alliance as a community engagement and fundraising specialist. She is also a board member of Adaptive Track and Field USA and is an advisory board member of the Dralla Foundation.

For more information on PCAS' Youth Track and Field, contact Jeff McGinnis.

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Competition Results

PCAS Youth Track and Field -
Third consecutive division title!

Team PCAS had six athletes compete in Adaptive Sports USA's Junior Nationals: Jana, Hari, Trent, Ekow, Madison and Ava.

Competition was tough this year but they worked hard and came away with a team win. Our team is bringing home first place in our division!

Jana, Madison and Ekow competed in the triathlon relay, coming in 2nd place.

Hari competed in archery coming in 3rd and Trent competed in air guns placing 3rd.

Madison, Ekow, Ava and Trent competed in swimming events, winning a combined 10 gold medals, 14 silver medals and 2 bronze medals and Ava broke 3 national records in swim!!

We had 6 athletes compete in field events, coming away with a combined 13 gold medals, 5 silver medals and 2 bronze with Trent breaking the discus record with a throw of 27.82 meters, and Madison breaking the discus and javelin records.

We had 5 athletes compete in track events winning a combined total of 25 gold medals, 3 gold and 2 bronze medals at track. Overall our team was outstanding both in athletics and sportsmanship!

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Help us Redefine Possible!
Your gift will help support PCAS athletes.
Click here to donate.

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PCAS Receives the WAWA Foundation Hero Award!

PCAS in the News

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award

Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports is the winner of the Wawa Foundation Hero Award. This award, which takes the form of a $50,000 grant toward furthering the group’s mission, was announced at the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Celebration of Freedom.

The live award ceremony was televised and featured short videos from the 4 finalists; the 3 runners-ups each received a grant of $10,000.

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award honors a non-profit organization that is committed to serving the Philadelphia area by assisting others and building stronger communities by preserving independence, protecting safety, and educating and inspiring youth. In addition to the grant, the award provides more exposure for the organization.

The winner of the award was the organization that received the most votes from the public. The other finalists included ASAP After School Activities Partnership; Esperanza, a group designed to strengthen the Hispanic community; and Big Brothers/Big Sisters Independence. The 4 finalists were chosen from over 140 applicants from organizations in the Philadelphia area.

“We were so shocked and pleased to win this award,” said PCAS Executive Director Jeff McGinnis, who accepted the award at the ceremony. “This grant is going to help us make our programs even better, and the exposure is so helpful for our organization. We want to thank Wawa and all the people who voted for us.”

(Contributor: Irene McKnight)

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PCAS Celebrates its Sponsors

At PCAS we believe it is important to serve our community at minimal or no cost to our athletes. While some of our programs have a modest participation fee, PCAS provides all the equipment, the venues, and trained volunteers and coaches. This is only possible through the support of our sponsors and donors, many of whom continue their support year after year. And we can’t thank them enough!

On Thursday evening, June 13th, PCAS hosted an event at the boathouse to meet and thank our sponsors and donors. Over 50 people gathered to celebrate our contributors, with food, drinks, conversation, and even a dragon boat excursion.

We welcomed Mark and Anne Baiada along with members of their team whose generous funding and volunteerism enable us to host the largest annual adapted rowing regatta in the country – the BAYADA Regatta – that will be held on August 17th this year.

We also enjoyed a large turnout from the Warrington Rotary Club, whose donations over the years have provided new ski equipment and new boats. Rotarians will be helping us with fencing in the area between the boathouse and the bicycle container and providing a walkway directly to the dock.

And our friends from Certa-Pro turned out to admire their handiwork, having painted the boathouse, pro bono, at the beginning of the season. Thank you Certa-Pro!

The event’s highlights included an outing on a dragon boat, captained by Peter McNamara, a PCAS Board member and rowing volunteer. PCAS also provided a fabulous meal, arranged by the PCAS MAC team. And speeches by PCAS athletes Sean Johnson, Maddie Jones, and Trent Clayton expressed the sense of gratitude of all of our members.

PCAS is profoundly grateful to these organizations that support our programs, whether or not they were able to attend the event. Thank you to all of you.

(Contributor: Meg Jones)

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PCAS Programs

Adaptive Rowing: Making Waves for Almost 40 Years

Philadelphia is home to Rocky, soft pretzels, diehard sports fans, and rowing. In 1935, thousands showed up to watch a 3-mile race between two social clubs, cementing Philadelphia’s love of rowing. Today, the Schuylkill River is one of the top 10 rowing destinations in the world.

Not surprisingly, Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR) is both the oldest adapted rowing program in the world! We welcome both new athletes who have never held an oar as well as seasoned competitors. Like all PCAS programs, PAR relies heavily on volunteer support. Rowers and volunteers participate Monday through Wednesday, directed by Coordinators who oversee equipment and participant safety on the dock, boat, and water.

But Thursday nights are devoted to the PAR Development Program, which allows competitive athletes to train more frequently. Jeff McGinnis, PCAS Executive Director, says, "Our goal for the Development Program is to return PAR to a competitive standing where athletes can enter into the Paralympic development pipeline. Through 2012, PAR was the leading program in the U.S. for developing US Para-Rowing Team athletes. We are seeking to return to that stage and we're recruiting athletes, with or without rowing experience, who have the drive and skill to compete at elite levels."

To that end, PAR has secured a head coach for the program. Liz Euiler started rowing in junior high school and continued throughout her college years. She now rows on the High-Performance Team at Vesper Boat Club and will represent the U.S. at the Pan American Games this summer in Lima, Peru. Go, Liz!

Liz began coaching camps and at local clubs when she was in college and become a Head Coach in 2013. In 2016 she became an Assistant Coach for the varsity women at Philadelphia City Rowing, and she began working with PAR last year.

Liz coaches because she “enjoys sharing my love for the sport of rowing with others. The past five years working with youth rowers has been very rewarding. It is my hope that through my coaching I can give something back to the sport that has given so much to me over the past 17.”

(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)

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PCAS People in the News

An interview with Carole McMahon

We see you every year working to make the BAYADA Regatta a success. What motivates you to work so hard at it?

Making a difference in people’s lives has kept me engaged and challenged for 38 plus years.

BAYADA introduced me to health care and I wanted those who needed help to be the best they could be and have meaningful lives. That being said, I met my husband through volunteering with Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing and getting some of our clients involved.

Why rowing?

I love the adaptive rowing world and experienced selfless volunteers dedicate themselves to helping others become “free on the river” - leaving their wheelchairs, and other equipment, on the dock and making their ‘abilities’ shine.

My husband needed much help to row and it took a lot to get him ready to partner with his volunteer. But he was never happier than when he was on the water and hanging out with such special people. People come from all walks of life: athletes, therapists, executives, and those like him whose life changed in a second.

Joe was special to me - the love of my life. We had a wonderful marriage and he made me a better person. As do the friends I have made at PAR and other programs from all over the world.

I am inspired by those I meet each year - new friends and those I have known for years. That connection is strong not just at Regatta time but throughout the year.

Clients and employees of BAYADA Home Health Care continue to be dedicated to the Regatta and give their time and spirit in helping Mark and the BAYADA family make each Regatta successful.

I retired from BAYADA this year - but will never retire from the Regatta. I look forward to the day, the people and the spirit that is seen and felt through the athletes and volunteers!

(Contributor: Jack Campbell)

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Competition Results

PCAS Youth Track and Field

Congratulations to the PCAS Youth Track and Field team and their success at the Richard J Cadmus Masonic Regional Meet on June 8-9 in North Brunswick NJ.

We had 11 competitors from Team PCAS, and won over 70 medals between all the kids competing. Madison Hahs won the award for top female athlete!

Independence Day Regatta

Congratulations to the PCAS rowing team, members of the Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing program (PAR), and their success at Philadelphia’s Independence Day Regatta Adapted 2x race on Sunday, June 30th.

PAR team members received 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. John Doughty and Pete McNamara came in 1st, with Maddie Jones and Jen Koch taking 2nd, and William Chernets and Michael Murphy 3rd. Oars Up!

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Help us Redefine Possible!
Your gift will help support PCAS athletes.
Click here to donate.

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