ST. PETERSBURG, FL (October 9, 2017) – Using the weightless wonder of water, adults and youth with disabilities, ages 10 and older, will have an opportunity to escape gravity and scuba dive with a certified scuba diving volunteer, as part of the “Diveheart Scuba Experience” being held on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Walter Fuller Pool, located at 7883 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. The event is free and open to those with and without disabilities.
The Diveheart Scuba Experience uses scuba as a tool to help build confidence and independence in people, providing a liberating experience of zero gravity environment. Events by the Diveheart Foundation have taken place all over the United States. To watch the Diveheart Foundation in action, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm4G174B6g0.
This event is presented by the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation Division in partnership with the Diveheart Foundation and its sponsor Custom Mobility. The Diveheart Foundation was founded in 2001 by Chicago media executive, Jim Elliott, and the nonprofit has recently expanded its operation to the Tampa Bay area, where it is led by Corissa Leung.
The nationally accredited St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department offers 17 recreation facilities, 9 swimming pools, over 150 parks and more than 70 athletic fields. The Therapeutic Recreation Division of the department provides unique adaptive programming and clinics for people with disabilities through partnerships with local organizations.
Custom Mobility has specialized in custom adaptive wheelchairs since 1990. They are in Largo, FL and provide retail sales, service and light manufacturing of adaptive mobility equipment, such as custom wheelchair and vehicle modifications and controls.
Medical clearance is required for those with disabilities to participate. Medical clearance forms can be found at www.diveheart.org/programs/#forms. For more information about the event, contact Barbie Van Camp at 727-893-7899 or barbara.vancamp@stpete.org.