Dragon Boat Training Kickoff - Illinois

Description: 

Whether you are new or experienced in the sport of dragon boat racing, we invite you to progress in your skills. You can expect to learn how to paddle efficiently and effectively with your new unit, experience phases of endurance, and enjoy fitness and family through our Team Blue.  Together, we will learn how to improve our fitness, canoe stroke, power, and ability to feel the hull of the dragon boat move with speed and stealth.  

Dragon Boat racing is a fun team-building activity and participating in a dragon boat event can benefit people with disabilities, veterans, family, caregivers, and others in numerous ways. Dragon Boating is a sport founded in China over 2,000 years ago and started as an international sport in 1976 in Hong Kong. Dragon boats are fast, powerful, and recognized for the camaraderie, strength, and endurance fostered amongst the team members.  Dragon boat races feature an exhilarating combination of premier sports competition in concert with an entertainment showcase for corporations, community organizations, and families.  This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of representing people with disabilities and their supporters.

Once you get acquainted with the program and decide to become a teammate, you will need to sign a contract of commitment that states you will be able to attend 90% of the sessions. Our team coach and mentors will provide the resources and skills necessary to help each individual and the team reach the highest levels of performance.

Goals: 

• To paddle as one team, supporting our seat mates (battle buddies) in ongoing training

• To increase overall physical fitness and health with a focus on paddling specific muscle groups

• To foster an inclusive team environment filled with camaraderie

• To compete in open divisions at local festivals 

Who can attend?: Individuals with physical disabilities over the age of 18 years old, their family and support members, volunteers and community partners. 

Expectations:

The programs offered by Adaptive Adventures are specifically designed to serve individuals with physical disabilities.

To be eligible for participation in Adaptive Adventures programs, individuals must be able to follow directions and effectively communicate without assistance. If assistance is needed, the participant must provide it themselves

Individuals must be able to self-transfer up or down by 12+ inches and if requiring transfer assistance, individuals must be under 200 lbs

Swimming skills are recommended and individuals must be comfortable in close confines with other athletes in narrow seating

Must be 18 years or older to participate

How should I dress & things to bring? : Please wear moisture wicking and comfortable clothing, closed toe shoes and bring rain gear and layers in case of inclement weather. 

Participants are recommended to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and hat for practice.

Timeliness: All participants, volunteers, and community partners are expected to register for each event, arrive on time, and be ready to load boats. Please notify staff in case of cancellation, running late, or any other event. Boats will leave the docks 15 minutes after the start of training and no exceptions will be made.

Location:

Lake Opeka (1015 Hoawrd Ave. Des Plaines, IL 60018)

Athlete Agreement for Participation

I understand that being a member of an Adaptive Adventures Dragonboat Team is an honor to maintain and continue to build the culture and integrity of dragon boat racing. I will abide by these simple commitments: I will attend training sessions regularly and register on the webpages for each session, I will be prepared with appropriate attire, I will have respect for all participants (civilian or veteran), and treat all staff, volunteers, and those around me with respect. I will not hesitate to help raise funds for this great program as needed. I will refrain from all alcohol and non-prescription drug use, profanity, and other inappropriate behavior DURING all Adaptive Adventures events and practices. I understand that I am a participant on this team and will only assist my fellow teammates if they or a staff member asks. I will fulfill my mission to lead and help give a new face to disABILITY. This is my new unit!

This program is provided in partnership with: