BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Smiles and the sound of laughter filled the hot summer air Saturday as 18 people with disabilities took to the waters of Lake Moultrie to participate in the Adaptive Water Sports Expo.
The event held at Lions Beach in Moncks Corner allows the athletes to waterski, kayak and swim with the help of an army of trained volunteers.
It was the first time waterskiing for longtime Roper Rehabilitation patient Marka Danielle Rodgers who is an incomplete quadriplegic.
“This was the most free I’ve felt since I got hurt,” Rodgers said. “I had so much fun. I was scared at first but once I realized I was just laying on my legs and all was good, I just embraced it and had a blast.”
Rodgers was one of six first time skiers participating in this year’s expo. The event is open to anyone with a disability. The equipment was specifically designed to fit their needs.
“These events give our patients a new confidence in themselves,” said Kim Aquino, a recreational therapist at Roper Rehabilitation Hospital who helped organize the event. “It helps them learn they are not defined by their injury and they can do anything they put their mind to.”
The expo was sponsored and organized by Achieving Wheelchair Equality, Anchors Away, Adaptive Expeditions, Adaptive Limb and Brace, Floyd Brace and Roper Rehabilitation Hospital.
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