Miami-Dade County Parks, Diveheart and Ortho Pro Associates present two free ''Diveheart Scuba Experience'' days in October for people with disabilities
Photos courtesy of Diveheart
MIAMI, September 25, 2014) — Children, adults and veterans with disabilities will have an opportunity to escape gravity for a brief time and discover the weightless world of scuba diving, as part of two free “Diveheart Scuba Experience” sessions that will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., October 4 and 25, at AD Barnes Pool, 3401 SW 72 Avenue, Miami. The activity is being presented by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s Disability Services Division in partnership with the Diveheart Foundation and Ortho Pro Associates.
Individuals must be at least 10-years-old to participate in the scuba diving sessions. Participants will receive an introduction to scuba diving and scuba equipment. All scuba gear will be provided. Scuba tanks will be supplied by Austin’s Dive Shop. Advance registration is required, as each participant is paired with a certified dive instructor and volunteer. Registration deadlines: October 1 for the October 4 session; and October 22 for the October 25 session. For more information, contact Terri Bukacheski at (305) 598-9688 or [email protected].
The Diveheart Foundation was founded in 2001 by Chicago media executive Jim Elliott, with the aim of providing educational scuba diving and snorkeling experiences to people of all abilities. In recent years, the group has expanded its operation to South Florida, where it is led by Wilhelmina Stanton. The Diveheart Scuba Experience uses scuba as a tool to build confidence and independence in children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. Ortho Pro Associates underwrites this activity.
About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world. Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more. For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.
Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities. For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit http://www.liveaparklife.org/.
To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call (305) 755-7848.
Photos courtesy of Diveheart