One week in Florida Keys on both ocean and bay. Supported by the Key Largo community
Participants: new physically or visually disabled veterans who have no experience and strong desire and physical ability to paddle twice each day in solo sea kayaks.
Instruction starts on flat water and proceeds to build skills up to paddling several hours across long stretches of coastal water
Veterans who participate are encouraged to take on leadership in TRR in their community or nationally using leadership ideas covered in daily discussions offered by Clinic Coordinators
All visually disabled or blind veteran are encouraged to participate in TRR National Kayak Football League (NKFL) tournaments
Team Captain is Joe Mornini; other Blind B Captains should contact joe@teamriverrunner.org
Committe Co-Chair
Vanessa A. Jones is a dynamic force dedicated to fostering
inclusivity, encouraging discussion, and promoting a culture of
belonging in the outdoor sports community. Hailing from
Washington, DC, she brings a wealth of diverse experiences and
perspectives to her endeavors.
As a US Army veteran and ordained Chaplain with a focus on
seniors and caretakers, Vanessa is deeply committed to serving
others. Her work as a patient-caretaker advocate reflects her
passion for supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring their
voices are heard.
Currently, Vanessa is employed by a resettlement agency, where
she confronts challenges head-on with resilience and
compassion. As a single, Black woman veteran, she embraces
the unique hurdles she faces, viewing them as opportunities for
growth and empowerment.
In her downtime, she wears many hats, including that of a
missionary, spreading hope and positivity wherever she goes.
Weekends are spent paddling, immersing herself in West African
dance and finding solace and joy in nature’s embrace.
Vanessa is committed to equitable principles, ensuring that
everyone’s opinions are valued and heard. Through her
unwavering dedication and inclusive leadership, Vanessa is
paving the way for a more equitable and diverse outdoor sports
landscape.