TRR Spokane Northwest Kayak Football Tournament 2024
Team River Runner Spokane’s Mission
To provide all veterans and their families an opportunity to find health, healing, community purpose, and new challenges through adventure and adaptive paddle sports!
We believe that health and healing is achieved by regularly participating in programs that are fun and active. Our paddling opportunities include flatwater paddling, canoeing, whitewater paddling, rafting and Kayak football throughout the year.
We Believe that like military service, programs should be inclusive. TRR programs serve veterans of all eras, active duty service members, and their families. TRR also welcomes all individuals to help us meet our mission.
We believe healing occurs by giving back to others. Chapters are encouraged to connect with local community organizations to help when possible.
About Team River Runner Spokane
TEAM RIVER RUNNER SPOKANE WA – A BRIEF HISTORY
Team River Runner USA began at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2004. TRR arrived in Spokane during 2011 when Jim Davey, a Southwest Airlines pilot and Air Force veteran, founded our chapter. Since Jim was an avid whitewater kayaker, TRR Spokane initially emphasized recruiting and instructing veterans in kayaking. Pool sessions were conducted in the Spokane Club’s swimming pool.
During 2014, the hectic demands of being an airline pilot caused Jim to approach the governing board of the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club with a request to find a replacement for him. Two SCKC leaders, each U.S. Air Force retirees, raised their hands. Since then, Tim Ahern and Stan Mrzygod have been chapter coordinators themselves or have regularly supported other chapter leaders in the mission to bring healing through paddle sports to veterans and their families.
Numerous family members and civilian volunteers contribute to the mission, and their selfless assistance is immeasurable and ensures our chapter’s success. Veteran referrals from the therapists at the Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Administration Medical Center and referrals from enrolled TRR Spokane veterans who reach out to other veterans infuse our chapter with a stream of veteran women and men seeking healing on the “River to Recovery.”
With the use of rafts, inflatable kayaks and a growing population of talented whitewater kayak paddlers, the Spokane chapter is again moving towards its original format of exciting whitewater paddling—Kayak football, flatwater cruises and fishing trips round out TRR Spokane’s offerings.
Team River Runner Spokane
PNW Kayak Football Tournament
Team River Runner Spokane, in Washington State, is excited to bring wounded veterans, active-duty members and their families together for our Annual Pacific Northwest Kayak Football Tournament. Kayak football follows the rules of football but includes the techniques of water polo and hockey.
Participants compete from their kayaks, and whether on a river, lake or an indoor Olympic-sized pool, kayak football engages the competitive energy of veterans and strengthens team camaraderie.
Spokane’s Kayak Football Tournament is an incredible opportunity for wounded veterans to work as teams through engaging in adaptive paddle sports, elevating their physical and mental health.
Team River Runner USA began at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2004. TRR arrived in Spokane during 2011 when Jim Davey, a Southwest Airlines pilot and Air Force veteran, founded our chapter. Since Jim was an avid whitewater kayaker, TRR Spokane initially emphasized recruiting and instructing veterans in kayaking. Pool sessions were conducted in the Spokane Club’s swimming pool.
Numerous family members and civilian volunteers contribute to the mission, and their selfless assistance is immeasurable and ensures our chapter’s success. Veteran referrals from the therapists at the Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Administration Medical Center and referrals from enrolled TRR Spokane veterans who reach out to other veterans infuse our chapter with a stream of veteran women and men seeking healing on the “River to Recovery.”
Team River Runner Spokane, in Washington State, is excited to bring wounded veterans, active-duty members and their families together for our Annual Pacific Northwest Kayak Football Tournament. Kayak football follows the rules of football but includes the techniques of water polo and hockey.