Soldier On Festival - Summer 2011

         Last July 22nd to 24th, the Adaptive Sports Foundation hosted 15 participants for its second summer Soldier On Festival. There were 10 soldiers, accompanied by family members and 2 coordinators. We brought in 4 experts in the category of kayaking and archery. We were very fortunate to have ex-olympians in kayaking, Lou & Karen Lukanovich, from the Viking Canoe-Kayak Club; Christine Gauthier of the Pointe-Club Canoe Club and international gold medal winner in kayaking; and Sophie Houle from the Fédération du tir à l’arc du Québec on hand all weekend to share their expertise with these brave comrades. We had 48 specially-trained volunteers to ensure that all participants were able to try each sport with adequate help.  Our soldiers from Afghanistan need our support as they are going through a very difficult time. They are returning home with injuries (missing limbs, etc.) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and grieving the loss of close comrades.

          This is a very difficult time for them and their families. Our support is even more important in helping them to overcome this hurdle. Our program promotes adaptive sports to help them integrate back into society, feel good about themselves and improve their quality of life. Our volunteers did a remarkable job in reaching this goal. We could feel a positive change in the atmosphere every day. We all came away feeling good about the weekend. It was a weekend to remember with these brave military personnel who put their lives on the line for our security. If there was ever a time to support these brave men and women, it is now.