Rowing Canada Aviron is pleased to announce that Jeff Dunbrack of Ottawa, Ontario, will join its team as the Lead Coach for the adaptive program.
"Jeff has a strong background in both rowing and Paralympic sport, and will be a great asset for the athletes as he builds and leads the adaptive rowing team from now through 2012," said RCA's High Performance Director Peter Cookson.
Reporting to the High Performance Director, the Lead Coach will be responsible for planning, implementing, operating, monitoring and evaluating the National Adaptive Rowing Program.
Dunbrack holds a degree in physical education and Level 3 Coaching Certification. He was an athlete and coach at Brock University as well as Head Coach at St. Catharines Rowing Club. Jeff moves to Rowing Canada Aviron from Wheelchair Basketball Canada where he is the High Performance Coordinator. He also served as the men's team manager and program coordinator prior to that appointment. His experience in building strong high performance adaptive programs combined with his rowing background and coaching skills will serve him well in this new role.
Dunbrack's employment is effective on April 01, 2010. He will be responsible for the preparation and development of athletes for the 2010 World Championships and beyond leading to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, England.
A growing area of the sport, adaptive rowing was first part of the Paralympic program at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. The success of the sport so far has been due to the commitment and dedication of adaptive coaches and supporters across the country. Rowing Canada Aviron particularly thanks Anne-Renée Thibault who recently served as the program's interim lead coach.