County hosts expo for people with physical limitations
Special to The Current
Physical fitness should be a part of life for everyone, and the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) wants to provide all residents of the local community with that opportunity. CCPRC will host the 2nd annual Adaptive Recreation Expo from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 at James Island County Park. But this year’s Adaptive Recreation Expo will also be preceded on Saturday, Sept. 26 by an exciting new adaptive surfing clinic on Folly Beach called Wheel to Surf, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
“The Adaptive Recreation Expo weekend will showcase a variety of adaptive sports and leisure activities,” said Susie Goudy, CCPRC’s Assistant Director of Recreation. “It is the perfect avenue for our patrons with physical limitations to try something new, rediscover a past recreational pursuit, and to just have fun. That is what this event is all about.”
Saturday’s Wheel to Surf adaptive surfing clinic will provide participants with physical limitations the opportunity to try out surfing at the Folly Beach County Park with the help of experts and modified surfing equipment. Admission for the Wheel to Surf clinic is free, but all interested participants are required to pre-register in order to participate.
Then, Sunday’s expo at James Island County Park will feature a variety of additional modified recreational activities so that those with physical challenges can participate. The Adaptive Recreation Expo will include yoga, archery, paddling, fishing and climbing. American Canoe Association-certified Adaptive Paddling instructors will assist participants with adapting watercraft to fit their needs. There will also be wheelchair-basketball and wheelchair-dance demos, and participants can take advantage of a nature tour and experience hand cycling.
Additionally, the expo will feature vendors on site who will offer expert information, demonstrations, and equipment. Admission to the Adaptive Recreation Expo is free with regular gate admission into James Island County Park ($1 per person), but participants are encouraged to pre-register to ensure the availability of equipment.
Launched in 2012, CCPRC’s AccessABILITY program strives to meet the growing needs of community members with limitations. Since its inception, the AccessABILITY program has offered 20 additional opportunities for this often-overlooked population. It is hoped that new programming, including the expo and other future ventures, will continue to serve the needs of this community. CCPRC strives to help participants develop lifelong leisure skills, which will enable them to participate in recreation programs throughout the year.
For more information about the Adaptive Recreation Weekend or to volunteer or register for either event, call (843) 795-4386 or visit www.CharlestonCountyParks.com.
