TEAM RIVER RUNNER INC

TRR has developed a national volunteer effort in 65 Chapters in over 30 states to focus on our core beliefs. We train, equip, support, and monitor lifestyle paddling programs in all of our national chapters. Weekly paddling programs are provided by TRR chapter coordinators and volunteers at VA hospitals in pools and on lakes, bays, and rivers across the country. TRR has a system of regional and national trainings called Leadership Clinics. Volunteers and veterans come together in these clinics to network, learn to paddle, become acquainted with new adaptive technology and adaptive instruction, and deepen skills needed for a successful chapter to operate. Annually, the National Leadership conference brings together chapters, VA clinicians & collaborators for a learning and bonding experience that confirms that healing power of TRR programs.

TRR's systematic organizational plan requires all proposed new chapters to meet specific criteria before gaining official status to obtain funding, volunteer training, equipment, etc. An extensive collaborative network of adaptive sports organizations has been built to link resources and create an infrastructure for paddling venues and boat/gear storage. Finally, TRR has developed a safety-first Inclusive Paddling Skills Training Program, with two main components - Adaptive Technology and Adaptive Instruction.

An On-Line Reporting System gathers metrics of attendance and activities. With this data, we determine program effectiveness regionally and make adjustments accordingly in terms of needs/usage. Clinic/program evaluations help us improve the veteran experience. Testimonials from participants, family members and volunteers affirm the positive impact of TRR. Chapter coordinators participate in monthly conference calls to analyze data and inspire/share/discover material related to safety, teaching techniques and adaptive equipment.

in 2015 we successfully held another major kayak football tournament (a home grown sport), had two of the most successful biathlons in Colorado and Washington DC in our history as well as raised an incredible amount of funds to fully support our leadership training held in St.John every year in November. Probably one of our biggest milestones was reaching over 2,000 veterans served. We hope to surpass this in 2016 and in years to come.<br/>TRR needs to find new partners nationally to meet the adaptive sports need of veterans in areas of the nation where we do not have chapters. Additionally, we are constantly looking for ways to spread outreach efforts to those veterans who have "gone dark" and are unavailable and/or house bound. We must continue to extend connections and outreach to get more veterans involved in our programs or as we like to say "butts in boats".