Adaptive 500-Meter Exhibition
Few adaptive athletes are familiar with indoor or on-water rowing as a competitive or fitness possibility. With the introduction of Rowing to the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, our mission is to build awareness of rowing among those with disabilities and support local and national program development. This event featured the following inspirational athletes who mentor others to break the bonds of limitation and aspire to achievement.
Dr. Ed Melian, Adaptive Rowing Competitor & Adaptive Exhibition Coach
Mikel Vandello, Coach, Competitor and Paralympian, 1976, Toronto
Earl Jordon, 1998 Inductee: Wheelchair Softball Hall of Fame
Ramon Canellada, MVP Sled Hockey Team Senior Division 2000 Championship
Hector Bruno, Army Veteran Athlete: Sled Hockey, softball, basketball and handcycling

Angela Madsen and Scott Brown rowing to their fourth consecutive world championship in the double sculls at the 2006 FISA Rowing World Championships: Photo: Getty images

2008 Paralympics in Beijing Rowing will be making its first Paralympic appearance in Beijing in 2008. The sport was selected for Paralympic inclusion in 2005; just three years after adaptive rowing made its debut on the world championship level in 2002. At the 2006 FISA Rowing World Championships, the events included the men's and women's single sculls, the trunk-arms double sculls and the legs-trunk-arms mixed four with coxswain.

Adaptive Initiative Update
Since its launch at CIRC 2007, the Adaptive Initiative has exposed those with disabilities to the possibility of both Indoor and On-Water rowing by participating in the following events:

AccessChicago - July 25, 2007
Sponsor: Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities

Veterans Adaptive Activities Day - September 8, 2007
Sponsor: Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs

Mayor Daly’s Holiday Sports Festival – December 28/30, 2007
Sponsor: City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District

Southside Classic Jr. Wheelchair Tournament
Sponsor: The Claddagh Foundation & Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association

These events provided introductory hands-on experience to an estimated 4,000 individuals in an inclusive atmosphere.

Initiatives for 2008
CIRC will continue to participate in events and programs to advance our mission that embraces the belief that all are enriched when the doors to achievement are opened to those with disabilities

Indoor Rowing Development Lab
The Lab will be an activities and development center. In addition to open programs, it will serve as an incubator to both the educational and health/fitness sectors while continuing to spearhead equipment innovation and improvement..

Adaptive Water Program
Efforts are underway to run a trial summer program in conjunction with the Lincoln Park Boat Club. This program will include both indoor and on-water rowing/kayaking.

RowAcrossAmerica™
This national effort involves over 20 cities in a drive to raise awareness of the Paralympics, provide funding for athletes and create grants to seed the development of local programs.