IN THE NEWS
BAYADA Regatta 40 and Fabulous!
A volunteer’s perspective
In August, Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR) and 18 other rowing clubs participated in the 40th Annual BAYADA Regatta. What a day it was!
There were familiar faces and great new additions, including an international entry from Community Rowing Australia. We also witnessed the first ever fully-adaptive 8+ — including the coxswain — from Three Rivers Rowing Association. These examples highlight why this event flourishes and confirms that there seems to be nothing our rowers can’t do.
In addition to being the fortieth anniversary, this year marked PAR’s first time back on the water since 2019. Although other clubs were able to row in 2022 at the first post-pandemic BAYADA Regatta, COVID and a delayed dredge impeded our ability to get on the water for the past three years.
So, we did what we always do – we adapted!
The Artur family at the 40th Bayada Regatta
Last year, PAR athletes participated in BAYADA’s inaugural erging event. It was bigger and better than I could have imagined. The event was scheduled during the lunch break and I had high anxiety, fretting that there would be no spectators to cheer for our athletes. In anticipation, I brought cow bells and maracas to distribute to the PAR volunteers that I knew would be there so there would at least be some noise. I also had a bullhorn at the ready to shout encouragement.
I could not have been more wrong. It seemed like every person involved in the day was there and in full support. The cheering from the crowd was deafening in the best possible way—even the bullhorn couldn’t be heard!
This epitomizes what this community and event is about. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what event you’re in, or under what classification you row — you are welcome, we are thrilled you’re here, and we’re going to make sure you know it!
Andrea (center) with fellow volunteers, Ann (left) and Alana (right)
While this regatta marks its longevity in decades, I’m still relatively new to the experience. When I started volunteering at PAR in 2017 I wasn’t really sure what to expect from an adaptive rowing program, and I was awed by what I found: incredible athletes, enthusiastic volunteers, and an extraordinary culture of positivity, acceptance, and diversity.
I feel like part of a family with this group.
Later that year, in August, I was part of my first regatta and it notched my experience up exponentially with even more amazing athletes and volunteers. As a rowing partner, I think I was more nervous than the athlete I was paired with in my first race, and as a dock worker, it is simultaneously humbling and remarkable to find yourself asking an athlete, “Are you taking your leg with you or would you like me to bring it to the return dock?”
This was my fifth year supporting this event and I, too, have adapted. From loading what seems to be every piece of equipment we own to be transported across the river, to the Jolly-Up event the evening before, the full day of racing, and the post-event celebration, I’m honored to be in such incredible and inspiring company. This collaborative event defines sportsmanship at an entirely unique level to which many other athletes and sports can only aspire. It’s a lot of work performed by a lot of people who think it is totally worth it. It is a highlight of my summer, and I wouldn’t miss it.
My short tenure in the 40-year BAYADA history has been nothing short of amazing and I can’t wait to see what awaits us as we head into the next 40. Thank you, BAYADA, for the experience of a lifetime!
(Andrea M. Pampaloni, PAR Wednesday Night Coordinator)
PROGRAM NEWS
Adapted Kayak Program
A Joyful Return to the Water
First paddle out of the PAR boathouse
We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of our kayak program. Now anchored at the PAR boathouse in Philadelphia, we’re ready to explore the waters of the Schuylkill River. As we progress, we’ll revisit cherished venues in our region and introduce new ones. For those interested in the natural world, we’re designing special paddling events to observe the local birds and wildlife.
We’re pleased to introduce Steve Sassaman as the new program lead.
He is the Assistant Director of Recreation, Outdoor Education, and Wellness at the Temple Ambler Campus and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Public Health. “I am excited to be able to share my love of paddle sports with a broader audience through volunteering with PCAS. With my roles at Temple University, I hope to expand ways to provide experiential learning opportunities for students interested in outdoor recreation and therapeutic adventure by partnering with organizations in the community such as PCAS.” This connection promises to infuse our program with fresh perspectives.
Additionally, the return of Paul and Sue Dice, our trusted guides and long-time volunteers, adds depth and experience to our team.
But what is our adaptive kayaking program? It’s a paddling experience tailored for individuals with physical impairments, ensuring access to the thrill of being on the water. With modified equipment and specialized training, kayaking can be accessible to many.
Our mission is simple: to make kayaking an experience for as many possible to enjoy. With the Schuylkill River as our backdrop and a team passionate about the sport, we’re excited about the adventures ahead. Whether you’re a returning participant or new to the fold, we invite you to join us. Together, we’ll paddle, explore, and create lasting memories on the water.
For information and to register contact Judy Morrison.
(Contributor: Jeff McGinnis)
Winter Indoor Rowing
Starting January 2024 the Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR), will hold Winter Indoor Rowing program at St. Joseph University’s Robert M. Gillen Boathouse in Philadelphia, PA.
Rowing machines allow rowers an off-water option for training throughout the year. They are invaluable during the winter months, when frigid air and water conditions prohibit rowing on the river. PAR’s Winter Indoor Rowing provides an opportunity for our rowers to keep their skills sharp and stay connected with the PAR community.
The rowing machine, a mainstay of modern day rowing and general fitness programs, traces its history to an invention by the Greek Admiral Chabrias in the 4th century BC, but modernized for today’s rowing in the late 1800’s. Rowing machines today not only allow training for strength and technique, but also provide rowers with measurements of their stroke rate, energy burned, and total distance rowed — all benchmarks for tracking improvement.
Rowers' skill sets range from recreational to highly competitive. And just as with our on-river rowing, our coaches can adapt equipment and routines for optimal results.
Rowers planning to row on the water in 2024 are strongly encouraged to show their commitment and attend our Winter Indoor Rowing sessions. It is a fantastic opportunity to keep your skills sharp, stay connected with the PAR community, and experience some great coaching. We'll also look at competing in the Mainline Slide this year. Volunteers are also welcome to join in the fun!
Come break a sweat with us. For information and to register contact Judy Morrison.
(Contributor: Lynn McGillin)
PCAS PEOPLE - Volunteer SPOTLIGHT
Diane Allison
It was Diane’s dad who got her interested in birds 45 years ago by installing a bluebird box at her new home in Tinicum, Bucks County. That interest blossomed into a love of birding, spawning birding trips around the country and the world.
Diane Allison
Today, Diane Allison leads PCAS’s birding groups as they travel to botanical gardens, parks, and wildlife preserves around our area. Her PCAS volunteerism is inspired by her friendship with Allison McCool, a longtime PCAS member who passed away in 2019.
Because of her love of birds and birding, and her connection with PCAS, Diane was approached by Loretta Cohen a few years ago about starting a birding group. Diane is assisted by fellow PCAS volunteer Katie Samson. Katie finds the sites with accessible trails, bathrooms, and parking and Diane shares her knowledge with the group on most outings. Typically, the PCAS birding group hosts 12 trips per year—6 in the spring and 6 in the fall.
“I love sharing my love of birding with others,” Diane said. The group uses walkie talkies and other devices such as a scope mounted with a screen to make birding accessible to athletes regardless of disability.
Asked to name her favorite birding spots, Diane responded “any place where there are birds.”
She is particularly fond of visiting the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Oceanville, NJ.
Diane points out that she is not a hardcore “lister,” meaning that she does not place a priority on keeping lists of the birds she has seen but rather enjoys watching each of them—sometimes for long periods of time.
And when asked what is her favorite bird? “It’s the one I am looking at right now,” Diane said.
“And I love butterflies too!”
(Contributor: Irene McKnight)
