Andrew McLean a former colleague and a driving force behind fundraising efforts for the Soldier On

Andrew McLean, a former colleague and a driving force behind fundraising efforts for the Soldier On program. The Soldier On program is aimed at introducing Paralympic sport to injured soldiers and making them aware of how sport can help in their rehabilitation. One component of the program is providing grants to help with the cost of acquiring sporting equipment.  “The fact that Andrew was proactive in helping out injured soldiers was the main factor for me getting involved with the program. I was looking for a way to stay active as well, and sought out adaptive sport as a way of getting back into shape,” Daniel said. He said the program helped him with his rehabilitation.

After attending the Soldier On Paralympic Sport Summit, he began participating in sports such as wheelchair basketball and sledge hockey. This helped him in his personal journey of challenging himself to be fit and competitive again, he added. Later in 2007, a friend invited him to try rowing. “Adaptive rowing was a perfect fit for me,” Daniel said. “I wanted a sport that I could do without having to travel away from my family.”  An adaptive rowing program was established in Sudbury, where Daniel now lives, last summer. So shortly after attending the summit, Daniel found himself on the water  “The attractiveness of rowing is that it is an ideal sport for someone confined to a wheelchair,” said Daniel.

“The rowing motion is easy on the shoulders and arms compared to wheeling a chair, as well as being a great way to attain cardiovascular fitness. The sense of freedom and speed once on the water is a great feeling.” Daniel said he will continue to prepare for Beijing by competing in as many regattas as he can in the next couple of months. Last week, he competed at the US Nationals and placed second in the arms-only rowing category.  “Ultimately, I have to get on the water as much as possible and push myself towards the Paralympic standard,” said Daniel.Adaptive rowing is similar to able-bodied rowing. Participants learn all the elements of rowing: drive, recovery, catch angle, oar handling, etc.  Adaptive refers to the equipment being adapted to the athlete, rather than the sport being adapted to the competitor. .