Canton Group Funds Program Helping The Disabled Enjoy Kayaking

CANTON, CT — A local foundation has announced it is funding an ongoing initiative that aims to provide outdoor water paddlesports for those with disabilities.

The Canton Community Health Fund Inc., announced Tuesday that it is aiding Summit Adaptive Sports' initiative on the Farmington River in Collinsville.

The New Hartford-based organization, which specializes in winter sports for the disabled, also operates a program that allows people of varying abilities — along with their caregivers, friends, and family — with a chance to enjoy the picturesque Farmington River.

Summit Adaptive Sports operates the program at Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, which is located at 41 Bridge St., Collinsville.

The watersports initiative started in 2023 and, this year, it caught the attention of the CCHF, which funds various Canton-based community initiatives.

According to CCHF Chairperson Sylvia Cancela, her organization is funding the purchase of additional, specially adapted kayaks for Summit Adaptive Sports.

Those kayaks, she said, allow for those with various disabilities to still enjoy a relaxing time on the river, which is a hotspot for canoe and kayak enthusiasts.

Cancela said CCHF is also funding equipment designed to help those confined in wheelchairs to access a kayak/canoe, as well as CPR training for Summit Adaptive Sports volunteers.

Officials with Summit Adaptive Sports and Collinsville Kayak & Canoe expressed excitement over CCHF's support.

"Canton Community Health Fund's investment in Summit Adaptive Sports, coupled with Collinsville Canoe & Kayak's expert support, helps us raise awareness of access to outdoor sports and recreation, in Canton, for individuals with disabilities," said Karen Cook, executive director of Summit Adaptive Sports.

Said Michelle Buerkler of Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, also a liaison for Summit Adapte Sports' program: "Being a resource for residents with a disability to use our boat launch, coupled with instruction and rental of adaptive equipment, and participation in adaptive sports, transforms the lives of people with disabilities by connecting them to their community through shared passions, personal dignity, adventure, and exercise."

For more information on the Canton Community Health Fund, click on this link.

For more information on Summit Adaptive Sports, click on this link.

For more information on Collinsville Kayak & Canoe, click on this link.