Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors receives national award
The American Canoe Association recently bestowed the J. Henry Rushton Award for outstanding achievements in advancing paddlesports and the mission of the ACA to the Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors. The award was announced at the 131st ACA annual banquet, held during the National Paddlesports Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. In the past, the award had been presented to individuals, organizations, government entities and corporations since 1994.
“We are proud to recognize all that the Institute of the Great Outdoors Manager Dana Smith and the entire IGO staff has done for paddlesports in their region” stated Chris Stec, ACA Chief Operating Officer. “They are an exemplary model and we are excited to bestow this honor.”
The American Canoe Association is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport competition and recreation. Their website is found at www.americancanoe.org .
IGO has provided quality paddlesport skills classes and experiential programs to paddlers of all abilities since 1989. IGO’s filed staff incorporates water safety, stewardship and fun into a year-round outdoor recreation curriculum, reaching as many as 500 paddlers a year.
During the award presentation, the accomplishments of the IGO were highlighted. These included, being the first agency in Ohio to receive a grant from the Ohio Division of Watercraft for Stand-Up Paddleboards; broadening paddling experiences along the Cuyahoga River through a new partnership with the Cleveland Rowing Foundation; providing education on safe paddling in river corridors alongside freighters; and providing environmental education on water quality and conservation.
IGO endeavors to be a leader in outdoor recreation and offers year-round activities, classes and trips. For more information on IGO programs, go to www.clevelandmetroparks.com or call IGO at 216-341-1704.
Here are two courses being offered by IGO this fall
Feel adventurous? Want to try something new? Check out these two courses being offered in November.
Multi-Sport Adventure Day
Saturday, November 12 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Westbranch State Park, Ravenna, Ohio
Do you feel the need to extend your athleticism? Then get immersed in the world of adventure racing, trail running or off road duathons. IGO will be on hand to teach various training techniques for a variety of adventure sports. The class will focus on skills and endurance required for mountain biking and trail running. Participants are required to bring their own mountain bike, bike helmet and running gear. Bike helmets are required for the mountain biking sessions.
Fee: $30.00
Tai Chi for Beginners
Sundays, November 13 thru December 18 – 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center, Garfield Park Reservation
T’ai Chi Ch’uan began in ancient China as a martial art exercise. The practice combines deep breathing with slow precise body movements whose flowing action helps relax the muscles to create a balanced and healthy body and mind. Many use this as a preventative “medicine”. Instructor Sifu Jim Holz will be on hand to teach the traditional movements. Many have found that regular use of these exercises helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve balance, increase muscle strength and improve overall health. This six-week session is perfect for all ages.
Fee: $65
For more information, a complete list of IGO courses and trips and to register, call 216-341-1704 or visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com
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