Our adaptive rowers have been busy making great progress lately! Here are a few highlights to share.

The coaches of the Sarasota Adaptive Rowing Program are pleased that the newest member of the program, Carlen Olson, has been on the water several times following several weeks of training, erg practices and evaluation. Carlen is the first adaptive rower in the program who is blind. She first went out on the water on September 6th, 2012 in a single to begin learning the basics of sculling technique. She has been out in a double scull with Todd Yeomans and is making incredible progress. Carlen is a self-professed perfectionist with an "exaggerated sense of independence", as she puts it. She is eager to improve each time that she is out on the water. She has set a goal to compete at the 2013 Sarasota Invitational Regatta! Keep up the good work, Carlen!

Jack Gerber rowed an adaptive exhibition event at the Sarasota 5000 on September 30th, 2012. This was the first time Jack was able to row his single at a regatta! Previously, he has rowed in the adaptive double events at three regattas this year. Keep up the good work, Jack!

Besty Mitchell won the GOLD with Keniel Martinez of Athletes Without Limits at the Head of the Anacostia on Saturday, September 29th, 2012. After the race, they ate apple pie and celebrated their win. As this entry is being posted, Betsy and Joe Dobson are on their way to the Head of the Charles in Boston, where Betsy will compete again with Keniel as her partner in the double on Sunday, October 21st at 8:16am. Check for live coverage on Regatta Central and Row2K! This year, Betsy and Keniel will be competing against the reigning London Paralympic Bronze medalists, Rob Jones and Oksana Masters. Go, Betsy, Go!