Newfoundland

"All you need to do to be a superhero is to do one Big Drop" says Melanie Callahan to Martin Hanzalek as she gets suited up for the Easter Seals Big Drop event. The Newfoundland and Labrador Easter Seals event is scheduled to take place at the Captain Cook's Monument on Sept. 20.

This Adventure event offers community members an opportunity to abseil over the limestone cliffs at the Captain Cook's monument in Corner Brook over looking the Bay of Islands. 

"We are going with a superhero theme. We designed a comic book and we're hoping get into the superhero way of thinking. Figuratively, they'll be a superhero in that they'll be able to really improve the lives of children with disabilities. They really can be a superhero in that way." says Martin Hanzalek "Participants literally take on the role of a superhero in that they are going off the edge of a steep cliff - not falling but rappelling safely. There should be a bit of a flying mentality about it, too."

Callahan says pledges are what is really needed. "It is a sponsorship based system, so people will collect pledges to take part in the event. An automatic email system system has been set up which allows us to collect pledges without knocking on doors. It's a non-invasive virtual request, and community support up to this point has been outstanding. 

Martin Hanzalek says there is a big drop event in St. John's Newfoundland, but instead of rappelling off a cliff they abseil off a building. "The Corner Brook's event will be a mountain-side adventure at a natural historic site" says Hanzalek. "Personally I believe this appeals to the outdoor adventure community more than rappelling off the side of a building. 

"We thought that's an exciting event, but Corner brook has so much more to offer in the way of natural attractions, so why limit ourselves to a building. We got talking with Martin (Hanzalek, owner of My Newfoundland Adventures) and he helped us come up with the event that will happen at Capt. James Cook Monument."

"We've been working with the Easter Seals for a number of years. We do everything from interpretive river rafting float trips down the Humber River to programs like snow kiting, rock climbing, cave exploration, and more" Hanzalek said in an interview with the Western Star newspaper "My Newfoundland Adventures specializes in accessible activities, it's a treat to be able to see people do things they never thought they'd be able to do. It's extra special when those people overcome a physical or mental challenge to do so. Many of our guests come in never having been on a river, never been climbing, never been cave exploring, and wonder what it's all about.
My Newfoundland Adventures is the event sponsor with guides and equipment donated by the company. Hanzalek say the experience of abseiling off a cliff is a lot of fun. He believes the adventure event is a great way to continue his relationship with the Easter Seals and give back to the community.

"We see physically able individuals having difficulty and equally we witness people will all sorts of challenges being able to rise above them and succeed in many of the adventures me offer. It's a pleasure to work with everyone" said Hanzalek  "especially when the experience is something they will remember for the rest of their lives.