May 12, 2008
MEDIA ADVISORY
Update: Click Here to See Video of the Launch
Cal Poly Solo Quad Conversion Project Scheduled to Launch May 16;
Social Scheduled May 15
TO: Editors, Assignment Editors, Science Writers and Reporters
WHAT: Cal Poly Solo Quad Conversion Project, a kayak powered by an electrical motor that is designed to be controlled by a person with quadriplegia using all "sip and puff" controls.
WHERE: Social – Sandwich Factory, Cal Poly
Launch – Tidelands Park, Morro Bay
WHEN: Social – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Thursday, May 15
Launch – 9 a.m., Friday, May 16
Event Information:
During the SLO Life without Limits Week, scheduled May 8th-16th, the Cal Poly Adapted Paddling Program will launch the final product of the Solo Quad-Conversion Project – a kayak designed specifically for a person with quadriplegia.
The Solo Quad-Conversion Project has been underway since 2002 when Kevin Taylor of Kinesiology and Frank Owen of Mechanical Engineering wrote a grant to The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Foundation. The grant was funded and Taylor has coordinated the project ever since, working closely with College of Engineering students and faculty as well as numerous Kinesiology Students.
The pilot of the kayak will be Bryan Gingg, who is actively involved in Access For All and was a recipient of the Paul Wolff Accessibility Advocacy Award in 2006. The Life Without Limits is a weeklong event designed to draw awareness to persons living with disabilities in our community.
Attendance of the pre-launch social is especially encouraged due to interview opportunities. Everyone involved will gather and celebrate the project's completion.
A press packet will be available upon request. For more information contact: Melody Pietsch, Kinesiology Department, at 805-756-2546 or at mpietsch@calpoly.edu.
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