Not even an injury could hold back a handful of Edmonton-based soldiers from enjoying a friendly kayaking race on Kirk Lake yesterday.
All geared up in life jackets, the group received a hands-on lesson in kayaking as part of CFB Edmonton’s Soldier On program and the St. Albert Canoe and Kayak Club.
“It’s designed for the ill and injured Canadian Forces Personnel to help them through their rehabilitation through fitness and sports,” said Sebastien Perigui-Lajoie, regional adapted fitness specialist.
“The soldiers love it. It’s a great event for them to just get out and do something different and to learn a new technique and skill.”
It was the first time Major Dave Blackburn has kayaked since he was 12 years old.
“It’s a good upper body workout, but it’s a good core workout as well. For me, strengthening muscles in my core is really important for my back,” said Blackburn, who was injured in 1997 when his vehicle rolled over during training prior to deployment in Bosnia.
“I’ve got four damaged discs in my lower back, three damaged discs in my neck and some problems with my right hip.”
Besides the physical benefits, the soldiers are able to network and connect with other injured soldiers through the program.
“They can share their experiences and their emotions about their injuries and the illness that they’ve been through,” added Perigui-Lajoie.
