Water sports prove good medicine for injured members

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Healing through sports was very evident the last week of June as 12 ill or injured military members tried three on-the-water activities and one shore-based as part of Soldier On.

Former and current Canadian Armed Forces members donned life jackets, and, with paddle in hand, ventured into the ocean in kayaks, on paddle boards and as a group in a dragon boat. On shore they limbered up with yoga.

Petty Officer First Class Joe Kiraly from the Joint Personnel Support Unit, which manages the Soldier On program, travelled from Ottawa to host the event. He is part of the ill and injured group having fallen from a ladder that left him with back, shoulder and neck injuries.

“Participation with the program is a rewarding opportunity for me to not only help others but also help myself in the healing process,” he says.

“A recurring comment I hear at every event for first time participants is ‘this is the best I’ve felt in years.’ Hearing those comments is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had in my military career,” he adds.

From 2007, Soldier On has supported more than 3,200 ill and injured members to acquire recreational sporting gear, and to participate in everything from alpine skiing to fishing to multi-activity events such as the paddling camp. Since its creation the program has disbursed more than $5 million in public and private sector donations for the purchase of equipment and to cover the costs of hosting events.

PO1 Kiraly says there is a common bond between all ranks, trades, and military occupations, and that they share the same bond, either through their service or their injury.

“Many participants indicate they feel a loss after being separated from that structure in the military, so it’s rewarding to see this instant reconnection with their peers.”

For more information about Soldier On and future events and activities visit their website at www.SoldierOn.ca or their Facebook or Twitter pages.

Volunteers and participants of the Soldier On program try their hand at paddling a Dragon Boat in Victoria’s Inner Harbour June 29. Soldier On held a three-day Paddling Camp for ill and injured current and former soldiers in Victoria. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout