SPORTABLE LAUNCHES ADAPTIVE KAYAKING PROGRAM
Veterans Line-Up Supported by Transact Capital Partners
RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, March 17, 2021) – Sportable, Central Virginia’s premier adaptive sports club, is proud to announce the spring dates for its expanded and improved adaptive kayaking program beginning in April in collaboration with Beyond Boundaries and Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation. A renewed focus on veteran kayaking will be introduced through a new partnership with Transact Capital Partners. The kayaking program is also supported by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which provided the funds to purchase kayaking equipment and expand the program for all Sportable participants.
“We are thrilled to bring back kayaking after a year-long hiatus,” commented Sportable Executive Director Hunter Leemon. “The strength of our community partnerships combined with the support of Transact Capital Partners will make this program bigger and better than ever. With an expanded calendar and redesigned format, Sportable’s kayaking program will be able to provide opportunities for individuals of all abilities to enjoy the James River, one of Richmond’s most iconic destinations.”
To execute adaptive kayaking programming this year, Sportable will continue longtime partnerships with Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation, RVA’s leader in kayaking instruction for over 30 years, and Beyond Boundaries, a non-profit committed to guiding outdoor adventures for individuals of all abilities. The program will provide individuals and military veterans with physical disabilities, visual impairments, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other health related issues with the opportunity to learn the basics of kayaking alongside the region’s most experienced staff.
“Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation is thrilled to partner once again with Sportable for their adaptive kayaking program,” said Greg Velzy, Chesterfield Parks and Recreation’s supervisor of Outdoor Adventure Programs. “We have always felt quite fortunate to be able to provide this opportunity to all members of the community, and especially those that have served our Country. Equally as exciting is the addition of Beyond Boundaries, adding another partner that is committed to making sure Chesterfield County and Central Virginia is an accessible community that has something for athletes with all abilities. We are eager for the season to get started!”
“I’m stoked about this partnership for many reasons,” added Shep Roeper, Beyond Boundaries Director and Co-Founder. “By the three organizations working together, we are able to provide more opportunities to more people, increase access to the great outdoors and sport of kayaking, and help make Richmond more inclusive.”
Sessions will be offered through multiple two-part series beginning in April 2021. The first session of each series will be held at the scenic Dutch Gap Conservation Area on the James River with the second session taking place at various locations throughout the Greater Richmond Region. Additionally, exclusive veteran-only events in conjunction with community partners will be scheduled this summer and fall, courtesy of the generous support of Transact Capital Partners.
“I have always had a passion for helping fellow veterans,” commented Matt Kanne, Vice President of Transact Capital. “As a veteran-heavy organization, Transact Capital challenged me with finding ways with which we can assist the local veteran community. After three years serving at the Richmond VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), I want to combine my passion for being on the water with support of the veteran community. Sportable’s veteran kayaking program is an outstanding opportunity to do just that.”
Adaptive kayaking is one of Sportable’s most inclusive sports as kayaks can be adapted for a variety of physical disabilities using state-of-the-art equipment such as paddle pivots that allow one-arm control of the kayak and adaptations for wrist grips and seat position. Kayaking encourages independence in movement and decision-making, and provides ample opportunity for socializing while maintaining COVID-19 safety protocols. Kayakers benefit from being on the water and fully-immersed in nature while enjoying one of Richmond’s most popular destinations, the James River.
Sportable’s restructured adaptive kayaking programs will begin in April. Registration is available at Sportable.org.
About Sportable
This year, Sportable celebrates 15 years of creating opportunities and transforming lives through sport for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. The non-profit organization provides sporting opportunities to more than 400 athletes of all ages by offering competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs year-round. By fostering a fun, inclusive, competitive, and accessible environment, Sportable transforms the lives of athletes and frees them to see beyond their disabilities, enhances their peer relationships and helps them to reach their personal finish line. To make an impact today, visit Sportable.com/donate.
About Beyond Boundaries
Beyond Boundaries is in the seventh year of providing outdoor adventure and environmental education opportunities for individuals with disabilities, at risk youth, veterans, and substance recovery programs. By creating an inclusive environment, we are able to see someone for their abilities rather than disability, strengthening the community. To learn more about volunteering and to provide opportunities to others, visit www.beyondboundariesrva.org/donate.
About Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department
The vision of the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department is to become the First-Choice destination for quality parks, facilities, sites, and programs. The department manages over 5,100 acres of parkland and 59 parks, with over 6 million visitors annually. A wide variety of recreation services are offered, catering to the unique interests of citizens: sports and athletics, classes, special events, therapeutic recreation, outdoor adventures, programs for older adults, nature exploration, summer camps and historical interpretation. For more information, visit www.chesterfield.gov/parks.
About Transact Capital Partners
Transact Capital Partners is a full-service mergers and acquisitions advisory firm headquartered in Richmond, VA., with offices in Roanoke, VA, Chicago, Orlando, and Lexington, KY. Transact Capital offers investment banking services to privately-owned businesses in the lower middle market. The firm’s strong network of relationships with private investors, senior leaders, private equity firms and professional advisors offers a significant advantage in representing business owners. Transact Capital offers an experienced and motivated team of 18 professionals (and several veterans) dedicated to helping business owners identify and achieve their vision for the potential future of their company.
Sportable has created opportunities and transformed the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments through sport since 2005. For more information about Sportable, please visit www.sportable.org.
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