Accessible adventure film screening and panel discussion will help kick off Dominion Energy Riverrock on May 18
Free event with focus on access to the outdoors takes place at Hardywood Richmond
RICHMOND, VA – Dominion Energy Riverrock and Beyond Boundaries RVA will host a film screening and panel discussion focusing on accessible adventure on Wednesday, May 18, at Hardywood Richmond (2410 Ownby Lane). The event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., and will provide insight into the importance of providing access to outdoor adventures for all people, in Richmond and beyond. Dominion Energy Riverrock organizers plan to make this an annual part of the festival to focus on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors and active living.
The screening and panel serves to kick off the 2022 Dominion Energy Riverrock festival, which returns to its celebrated in-person format on Brown’s Island and the James River Park System from May 20-22.
Beyond Boundaries RVA, a Richmond-based nonprofit, specializes in guiding participants with disabilities, veterans, at-risk youth, and those taking part in recovery programs on outdoor adventures. Their film, ‘Adventure Is For Everyone,’ will be screened during the event and offers a behind-the-scenes look at three individuals with disabilities, their pursuit of adventure, and the work that Beyond Boundaries is doing to help them discover and satisfy their adventurous spirits.
“From biking to hiking, paddling to climbing, and fishing to boating, Richmond has so many adventure opportunities and Beyond Boundaries exists to help everyone have access to these adventures,” said Shep Roeper, Director and Co-Founder of Beyond Boundaries. “Nature doesn’t tend to naturally be accessible, so we hope that attendees come away from this event with a greater understanding that it’s up to the community to make it so. Sometimes it takes adaptive equipment, and sometimes it’s adapting your mindset and looking at the situation from another point of view.”
A panel discussion featuring local leaders and experts in accessible adventures will follow the film. Joining Roeper on the panel will be Josh Sloan, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for Sportable and an adaptive adventure outdoor athlete, and Sally Wetzler, a river advocate, outdoor enthusiast, community volunteer, and James River Outdoor Coalition board member.
“Dominion Energy Riverrock is a celebration of outdoor adventure, and we see it as our responsibility to create opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities to enjoy the outdoors. Working with Beyond Boundaries and our panelists will help keep that front and center heading into this year’s festival,” said Megan Schultz, Chief Operating Officer for Sports Backers and event director for Dominion Energy Riverrock. “Our hope is that the film and panel discussion will bring perspective around important topics like access to the outdoors, adaptive sports and recreation opportunities, and the built environment, as well as what we are doing in the Richmond region to ensure equitable access to outdoor adventure and active living.”
The screening of ‘Adventure Is For Everyone’ will begin at 5:45 p.m., with the panel discussion following at 6:45 p.m. Admission to the film screening and panel discussion is free, with Hardywood beer and pizza available for purchase.
Dominion Energy Riverrock, organized by Venture Richmond and Sports Backers, began in 2009 and is now the nation’s premier outdoor sports and lifestyle festival, bringing athletes, spectators, musicians, and even dogs to Brown’s Island for a three-day festival against the backdrop of downtown Richmond’s urban riverfront. 2022 marks the first time the festival will take place in its traditional format since 2019, after the 2020 and 2021 events took place in virtual and hybrid formats.
The event serves to promote Richmond’s unique riverfront, downtown trails, and whitewater rapids to outdoor enthusiasts and introduce Richmond’s outdoor adventure opportunities to residents from all corners of the region and visitors from around the country. As a result of the creation of Dominion Energy Riverrock, there is a stronger appreciation for the value of outdoor recreation throughout the entire Richmond region. More information on this year’s festival can be found at www.RiverrockRVA.com or on social media @RiverrockRVA.
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