Allison Sheard of Toronto, Ontario, has been named Rowing Canada's National Adaptive Program Coordinator. The Adaptive Coordinator is a key member of RCA's development program and will direct the planning, coaching, monitoring and evaluation of all national programs and initiatives relating to Adaptive (rowing with disabilities) athletes and their coaches. This includes the National Adaptive Rowing Team (NART).
"I am honoured to be given the opportunity to continue working with the national adaptive program," said Sheard, who was the National Adaptive Coach in 2004. "This new role will hopefully allow for a focus on broadening the national adaptive program across Canada and to help identify athletes for long-term involvement and development."
In a very short time, Canada's adaptive rowing program has grown to include participation in the 2004 World Championships in Spain and the development of a detailed Adaptive Rowing Manual created by Michael Maher of RCA's Adaptive Committee. There are currently eight Canadian rowing clubs with adaptive programs.
The National Adaptive selection camp will take place in London, Ontario in mid-June. Selected athletes will compete at Royal Canadian Henley, and possibly the World Championships in Gifu, Japan (subject to funding).