The drizzly, overcast day did not dampen the spirits of the athletes or their shore-bound supporters, who clapped and yelled encouragement as the canoes sliced through the green-gray water.

Nine of the 10 athletes traveled from New York -- and the 10th came from Pennsylvania -- to participate in the event. The athletes were not competing to capture a berth in the Special Olympics, because canoeing is not yet a recognized event. But it was clear the dedicated and enthusiastic outriggers captured the Olympic spirit.

The paddlers are members of Heritage Christian Services, which supports more than 1,200 children and adults with developmental disabilities in western New York.

Their instructor, Jan Whitaker, who is also the adaptive paddling chairwoman of the U.S. Canoe Association, has been spearheading the effort to have outrigger canoeing recognized by both the Paralympics and Special Olympics.

"Paddling makes these athletes part of the community of paddlers, which builds their self confidence and self-esteem," she said. "Plus they develop friendships, have fun and get exercise. The memories will last them a lifetime."

Whitaker organized the special-needs paddling group last year. It is one of two such canoeing teams in the United States. For the previous five years, Whitaker had organized paddling teams for the physically disabled.

Whitaker said the athletes usually practice in the Genesee River in Rochester, N.Y., but because of the cold weather they have been practicing in an indoor, 48-foot tank.

Scott Whitney, a representative for the U.S. Olympic Trial Committee, contacted Whitaker and asked if her paddlers would be interested in participating during the canoe and kayak trials.

"I knew Jan was working really hard to get outrigger canoeing accepted into the Special Olympics and thought this would be a good opportunity for them to get some exposure," Whitney said. "I thought it would be great for her, great for us and great for the spectators because it demonstrates how paddling sports are available to anyone."

The rowers paddled vigorously through two heats, with both teams winning one race. Demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, after each race, the teams in both boats thrust their paddles over their heads and gave triumphant yells.

As the rowers returned to the quay, they were welcomed by family members, friends and supporters. Their smiles and flushed faces showed they were ecstatic from the attention and the physical activity in the cool afternoon air.

Paddler Amee Reinhardt summed up her experience. "I like paddling because it's cool and it's awesome and it feels great," she said.

Amee's mother, Carrie, was demonstrably happy for her daughter as she returned to shore and had a hard time holding back tears.

"These kids are so full of love and passion and all they want to do is what everybody else is doing," she said. "They try their hearts out."

Olympic hopeful Lauren Spalding, who won a first place medal in the 4-women 500 meter kayak finals, saw the paddlers off from the dock. She said she's a supporter of paddling as a Special Olympic event.

"I think it's awesome and this kind of event needs to be perpetuated," she said. "Athletes like us should be doing what they can to support these guys."

For more information contact the U.S. Canoe Association at (585) 292-6107 or visit its Web site at www.uscanoe.com.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
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