Courtesy Photo | Disabled veterans swim with marine animals at the Georgia Aquarium Aug. 12, 2015, as a...... read more read more Courtesy Photo | Disabled veterans swim with marine animals at the Georgia Aquarium Aug. 12, 2015, as a part of the Atlanta VA Medical Center's Adaptive Sports Program. Six disabled veterans participated in Georgia Aquarium's Gentle Giants Dive Immersion Program. The Dive Immersion staff is trained to accommodate guests with any disability, from blindness, to brain injury, to quadriplegia, to amputation, to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (Photo courtesy the Georgia Aquarium) see less | View Image Page

ATLANTA - Swimming with the largest shark in the world may sound a bit unnerving to some, but for a handful of disabled veterans receiving health care at Atlanta VA Medical Center’s (VAMC) Recreational Therapy program, it’s exactly the kind of therapy they need.



The Atlanta VAMC’s Recreation Therapy partnered with the Georgia Aquarium Aug. 12, 2015 to provide six disabled Veterans a unique opportunity to submerge in the aquarium’s 6.3 million gallon exhibit, Ocean Voyager, and experience the tranquility of the graceful animals swimming below.



Georgia Aquarium Dive Coordinator Chris Duncan explained that disabled Veterans participating in the Journey with Gentle Giants Dive Immersion program experience peace, happiness, and tranquility. “They’re going to be happier, more relaxed, and hopefully not be thinking about their injury,” Duncan said.



For America’s veterans, therapeutic recreation promotes health and wellness along with reducing or eliminating activity limitations and restrictions caused by an illness or disabling condition.



In addition, Atlanta VAMC Recreation Therapist Chauncy Rozier wants the veterans in her care to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life. “There’s a whole plethora of things they can get involved in,” Rozier said.



Veteran Mark Sikes, who was a bit apprehensive before entering the water, was surprised to discover a different world under the surface. “My biggest fear was the sharks,” Sikes said. “I’m going to defeat something I’m afraid of.”



Therapeutic recreation is based upon a holistic framework that focuses on all aspects of improving an individual’s health and functioning. Rozier was satisfied that not only did the Veterans face legitimate fears, but that the event helped to build confidence, improve self-reliance, and have fun while improving their physical ability. “They were totally living and totally free,” Rozier said.



“To see the bodies elongated and stretched beyond what I have never seen on some of them was great,” Rozier said. “But overwhelmingly, to see the smiles afterwards on their faces, I can never forget.”