Eastern Michigan Athletics
Rowing Hosts Special Olympics Event
10/4/2016 3:45:00 PM | Women's Rowing
The team hosted a kayaking competition as part of the State Fall Games
PHOTO GALLERY
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University rowing team hosted a kayaking event as part of the Special Olympic State Fall Games Sunday, Sept. 25, at its boathouse in Ypsilanti. The event was an opportunity for the team to give back to the local community and teach kids the sport of rowing and kayaking in a safe and fun environment.
This marked the first time the Special Olympics has offered kayaking in its State Fall Games lineup, and the Eagles jumped at the opportunity to host the event. The State Fall Games consists of state finals competitions in cycling, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, and kayaking, and featured over 1,600 athletes competing.
"It was an absolute pleasure to host Special Olympics kayaking trials at our Ford Lake boat house," senior Samantha Allen said. "The good nature of the Special Olympics staff and athletes was felt by our entire team ,and I believe we will carry that spirit with us into our upcoming season."
On the day of the event, there were three teams competing with a total of 18 athletes between them, which was a great turnout for a first time sport. They competed in both 500M and 200M distances; with singles and doubles offered at both distances.
A unified doubles competition was also offered in both distances. Unified doubles consists of a two person team made up of one Special Olympics athlete and one athlete without intellectual disabilities, known as a Unified Partner. In total, 11 races were run during the event.
"We definitely couldn't have hosted the event without the help of Kemp and his team," Special Olympics of Michigan's Nick Caudle said. "Kemp was great to work with and the EMU rowing team was fantastic at helping our athletes in and out of the water, getting them staged for each race, and keeping the times and finishes for each race. The EMU boathouse was a perfect location for the event, and we are looking forward to working with Kemp again on next year's event."
The Eagles return to the water next weekend, Oct. 9, for the Head of the Grand event. Competition from East Lansing is set to begin at 9 a.m. and will go all day.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University rowing team hosted a kayaking event as part of the Special Olympic State Fall Games Sunday, Sept. 25, at its boathouse in Ypsilanti. The event was an opportunity for the team to give back to the local community and teach kids the sport of rowing and kayaking in a safe and fun environment.
This marked the first time the Special Olympics has offered kayaking in its State Fall Games lineup, and the Eagles jumped at the opportunity to host the event. The State Fall Games consists of state finals competitions in cycling, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, and kayaking, and featured over 1,600 athletes competing.
"It was an absolute pleasure to host Special Olympics kayaking trials at our Ford Lake boat house," senior Samantha Allen said. "The good nature of the Special Olympics staff and athletes was felt by our entire team ,and I believe we will carry that spirit with us into our upcoming season."
On the day of the event, there were three teams competing with a total of 18 athletes between them, which was a great turnout for a first time sport. They competed in both 500M and 200M distances; with singles and doubles offered at both distances.
A unified doubles competition was also offered in both distances. Unified doubles consists of a two person team made up of one Special Olympics athlete and one athlete without intellectual disabilities, known as a Unified Partner. In total, 11 races were run during the event.
"We definitely couldn't have hosted the event without the help of Kemp and his team," Special Olympics of Michigan's Nick Caudle said. "Kemp was great to work with and the EMU rowing team was fantastic at helping our athletes in and out of the water, getting them staged for each race, and keeping the times and finishes for each race. The EMU boathouse was a perfect location for the event, and we are looking forward to working with Kemp again on next year's event."
The Eagles return to the water next weekend, Oct. 9, for the Head of the Grand event. Competition from East Lansing is set to begin at 9 a.m. and will go all day.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
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