Louisville Adaptive Rowing – Rachel Zoeller

Nearly seven years ago, a spinal cord injury changed how I move through the world, but it never dimmed my passion for sports and adventure. Adaptive sports became vital to my recovery and a pathway back to myself. That need for movement led my wife and me to Colorado, but ultimately brought us back home to Louisville.

Through Louisville Adaptive Rowing, I’ve found a full-circle connection to the city I grew up in and the river at its heart. On the water, I can move freely and leave my chair behind. I row because I love the technique: the rhythm, the finesse, the fine-tuning required. Once I'm in rhythm, my mind settles. I can feel the pace, the boat, the water. I focus on what's directly in front of me. 

Challenging my body, connecting with nature, building community, and setting new goals continues to support my physical and mental health. This October, I’m stepping back into competitive sports as Louisville hosts its first regatta and I’m racing!

With your support, Louisville Adaptive Rowing can continue giving people with disabilities the chance to experience that same combination: the discipline of the sport, the freedom of movement, and the belonging that comes from being part of something larger than yourself.

LOUISVILLE ADAPTIVE ROWING 

Our Mission

LAR gives people with disabilities the opportunity to row on the Ohio River, empowering them to grow stronger, build confidence, and enhance the mind-body connection.

We believe everyone deserves the chance to feel strong, capable, and free.

Where Your Donation Goes

*Supports our rowers as they compete in regattas, including the Derby City Regatta this October.

*Funds adaptive equipment that makes boat accommodations possible.

*Keeps the boathouse lights on, maintains specialized adaptive seating/rigging, supports safety launch boat fuel, and keeps the entire program afloat year-round.

*Purchase a digital stroke counter, which provides real-time stroke and timing information.

*Purchase new LAR t-shirts and uniforms that desperately need to be updated.