If you recently experienced a spinal cord injury or you have a disability, you may not have active living, sports and exercise on your mind. But the reality is that recreation may be more beneficial than you realize. From managing stress to improving your physical wellness to feeling connected to your community – recreation is a powerful act, not to mention fun. We understand there may be some challenges to finding accessible recreation – but that’s why we’re here.
On this episode of Underestimated, presented by Oatley Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers and brought to you by Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, we’re talking about accessible recreation. Paralympian Rod Crane visits us in studio to talk about his journey and how he found the local sledge hockey club in Elmvale.
Defenceman Rod Crane is one of the newer faces on Canada’s Para ice hockey team. He has competed at the last two world championships (2019 and 2021) earning silver both times. Crane scored his first goal for Canada at the 2019 worlds and added two more goals in 2021 in a round robin victory over Czech Republic.
He grew up in Heathcote, Ontario and was an active kid. He played stand-up hockey as a goalie for 12 years. In 2010, at age 18, he sustained a spinal cord injury after attempting a backflip on a trampoline. Going to school soon after the accident helped him build independence and by 2014, he started playing Para ice hockey, thanks to an introduction to the Elmvale Bears by Heather Hollingsead at Spinal Cord Injury Ontario.
We hope today’s episode has given you some encouragement and ideas for accessible recreation in your community. It’s always a good idea to consult with your health team before engaging in a new exercise program.
