The Brooks Adaptive Rowing program at Jacksonville University dedicated its first boat in honor of Grady Harris, one of the program’s first participants, who sadly passed away.

Grady, a double leg amputee, was one of the successful stories to come out of the hugely popular program since its introduction in 2007. A ceremony, which was held at the Negaard Rowing Center, was attended by many friends, family and other rowing participants. Grady’s wife, Diane Harris, performed the ceremony by christening the new Wintech Adaptive double rowing shell.

“In some ways, Grady was like this boat,” Diane Harris said. “He liked to be in the water, he was skinny, he was partially made of composite material and carbon reinforced fibers, he could take on rough water and not get swamped and he set a course for himself but loved to carry others along. Grady said rowing down the St. Johns was his happiest experience in years”

“Grady was always happy at the Negaard Rowing Center,” said JU director of rowing Jim Mitchell. I remember the first time we got him out in a double, and I asked him how it was. Grady said that was the most fun he has had since he first went snow skiing. I asked him when he first went snow skiing and he replied ‘1957.’ We are proud to have a boat in this facility that bears the name Grady Harris.”

“Grady and Diane have been instrumental in the success of the Brooks Adaptive Sport programs, both as participants and volunteers,” said Alice Krauss, manager of the Brooks Adaptive Sport and Recreation Program. “We will miss seeing Grady’s smiling face, but I am sure we will have a smile on our face every time we see Grady’s name on that boat. “