Ontario Cycling Association holds successful camp for hand cyclists

DUNNVILLE, Ont. – The Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) hailed its recent Para cycling development camp, which was funded in part by the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Paralympic Sport Development Fund (PSDF), as a major success.

Held in the Niagara region, it attracted nine hand cyclists, ranging from new to experienced levels. They received expert guidance for two days both on and off the track from Canadian world championship medallist Joey Desjardins.

Desjardins was recently hired by OCA as its Para cycling development coach and the camp was his first major assignment. By all accounts the participants really appreciated his insight into the sport.

“This camp and race weekend was really beneficial for me because I had a chance to practice and learn in an inclusive environment where everyone was so supportive,’’ said participant Andrew Kooger.

The OCA received a $10,000 grant from the PSDF for the camp. The PSDF is made possible by the Paralympic Foundation of Canada.

‘’We wouldn’t have been able to do the camp without the grant, that’s for sure,’’ said Michael Selliah, performance programs coordinator for OCA. ‘’We were really able to heavily subsidize the cost for participants, and the impact was significant.’’

‘’It was an amazing camp,’’ added participant Nancy Kawaja. ‘’It was the highlight of my spring riding for sure.’’

The camp was held May 28-29 at an aerodrome which is no longer in use with accommodations for the participants in Welland. The camp was followed by races on May 30 and June 1 including a criterium, road race and time trial which attracted 15 hand cyclists.

‘’They have an auto track around it where they hold car races now,’’ said Selliah. ‘’It was a great location because after some practicing on the track the riders could do some actual road riding in the nearby cottage area to practice road safety and endurance skills.”

Selliah and the participants were pleased there was no rain during the camp, however a cold spell on the Saturday prompted a few extra coffee runs.

One athlete was being initiated to the sport while others with more experience were focused on tactics, drafting, and pacing.

‘’Joey was amazing,’’ said Selliah. ‘’He connected with every athlete, whether they were aiming for high level competition or trying a handcycle for the first time.’’

Selliah said the OCA is planning to hold the camp annually and would like to include youth or multi-sport opportunities.

‘’It was powerful to see people grow more confident in just over a couple of days,’’ said Selliah. ‘’We wanted to make everybody feel like they belonged.”