Copyright vernonmorningstar
Summerland’s Recope program has expanded to Penticton. The organization, which offers exercise classes for adults with medical challenges, began its pilot project at the Penticton Community Centre pool. The Penticton pilot began on Oct. 7 and is running twice a week until Dec. 18. If additional funding is in place, the program can continue after that time. Joseph Lang, executive director of Recope, said there are wait lists in place for the Penticton pilot program and for the Summerland program. In Summerland, there are 180 people registered, and in Penticton, 33 are registered. If additional funding were in place for Penticton, the program could accommodate another 20 people, Lang said. He added that while Recope is negotiating with Interior Health, it could take a year to reach a funding agreement. He said a private donation would allow the program to expand. Lang said some doctors are referring patients to the program before surgeries, as fit patients have shorter recovery times following surgery. There are also some younger people, dealing with chronic injuries, who are in the program. “It’s something that should be in place in every community,” he said. “It changes lives.” He said the program can help people make the most of their lives, no matter what their present state of health and fitness. For Richard Sarada, a member of the Recope board who also uses the program, the benefits have been significant. Around a year and a half ago, he had a leg amputated. Since the spring of 2024, he has been in the program. “I had all the support I needed. They did a great job,” he said. Because of the therapy and support, Sarada has been able to adapt to a prosthetic leg and has been able to improve his mobility. The participants in the program have provided support as he has participated. “The physical benefits are huge, obviously, but the mental benefit is huge too,” he said. Lang said the Rcope program could be expanded to work in any community with a community swimming pool. Recope was formed in Summerland in 1976. The non-profit organization has 180 people participating in land and pool exercise classes.
