New Adaptive Rowing Shell And Fixed Seat System Will Give Wounded Veterans And Para-Athletes Greater Independence On The Water

The Independence Fund Launches "Rowing for Independence"

News provided by

Sep 26, 2018, 09:00 ET

BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- An adaptive double racing shell and revolutionary fixed rowing seats will be launched in Boston tomorrow, allowing wounded Veterans and para-athletes with limited, or no, use of their legs to have access to a seating system that provides comfort, safety, and stability for the waist and chest, depending on how high the injury goes.

The new Independence Fund racing shell with adaptive seats for para-rowing.

"Fully ambulatory rowing involves a seat that moves effortlessly with each stroke," says Sam Johnson, Chief Programs Officer for The Independence Fund. "We are thrilled to sponsor this innovation spearheaded by Resolute Racing Shell's owner and passionate para-rowing advocate, Misha Joukowski. This new design gives wounded Veterans and para-athletes greater stability and full independence on the waterways, on rowing machines and throughout competition."

"Rhode Island's Resolute Racing Shells, Resolute Adaptive, focuses on the advancement of para-rowing products and programmatic initiatives for athletes with disabilities," says Blake Stouffer, Adaptive Program Manager at Resolute. "This seat evolved from a conversation with a Veteran athlete who had open sores from older seats that didn't move with the ergonomic precision needed for rowing."

"Sponsorship of this new Resolute racing shell to Community Rowing in Brighton is just our maiden voyage into the waters of wounded Veteran and para-rowing," says Sarah Verardo, Chief Executive Officer of The Independence Fund. "Rowing for Independence is key to our mission in filling the unmet needs of America's wounded, ill, and injured Veterans."

The new racing shell and adaptive seats will be unveiled at the Harry Parker Boathouse, 20 Nonantum Road in Brighton, MA at 4:00pm on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE FUND

Founded in 2007, The Independence Fund is committed to empowering our nation's severely wounded, injured, or ill Veterans to overcome physical, mental, and emotional wounds incurred in the line of duty. The Independence Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of both our Veterans and their families. Through our Mobility, Caregiver, Adaptive Sports, and Advocacy programs, The Independence Fund strives to bridge the gap of unmet needs for Veterans and their Caregivers. www.independencefund.org

ABOUT RESOLUTE RACING SHELLS

Resolute Racing Shells, based in Bristol, RI, is a globally recognized manufacturer of racing shells for competitive and recreational rowing programs. Resolute is also committed to innovation and advancement of supporting para-rowing equipment. www.resoluteracing.com

ABOUT COMMUNITY ROWING, INC.

Community Rowing, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Brighton, MA dedicated to the belief that the sport of rowing provides a powerful tool to promote personal and community growth. CRI is the largest rowing organization in the U.S. and delivers after-school programs and promotes health and fitness opportunities to community members of all physical and cognitive abilities and ages in the Greater Boston area. www.communityrowing.org

SOURCE The Independence Fund