Former STEPS Rehabilitation client Shaun Cook has received a brand-new para canoe to support his competitive sporting ambitions following a life-changing motorbike accident.
Shaun first came to STEPS Rehabilitation in June 2019 for an intensive six-week program after sustaining a spinal cord injury in April 2018. Before his accident, Shaun had little involvement in competitive sport, but the loss of his ability to work left him longing for the structure and routine his job had provided.
It was during his recovery that Shaun discovered kayaking. The sport quickly became a central part of his rehabilitation, offering mental clarity and a sense of purpose as he adapted to life as a paraplegic.
A Journey of Sporting Success
With the guidance of para specialist coach Tim Scott, Shaun trained rigorously and soon competed in his first championship canoeing event. His dedication paid off: Shaun went on to win gold at the International Va’a Federation World Distance Championships in Samoa in 2022 and the International Canoe Federation World Marathon Championships in Denmark in 2023.
Supporting Shaun to Thrive
To compete at this level, Shaun needed the right equipment. His sights were set on a para Va’a Outrigger Canoe, designed for comfort, balance, and peak competitive performance. The STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation stepped in to fund the canoe, ensuring Shaun had the tools necessary to continue excelling in his sport.
The Foundation focuses on enhancing recovery for those affected by serious injuries, providing crucial support and services tailored to each individual’s needs. Shaun’s new para canoe is a vital part of his ongoing recovery journey, helping him stay on track to achieve his sporting goals.
What Canoeing Means to Shaun
Reflecting on the impact of the sport, Shaun said:
“Through canoeing, I have been fortunate enough to travel across the world and do things I never dreamed of, even as an able-bodied person. Ironically, when I have been at my least able, least mobile, I have achieved the most—things I never thought possible.”
For the STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation, delivering this project was immensely rewarding. Shaun’s story demonstrates how, with the right support, people recovering from serious injuries can discover new passions, regain a sense of fulfilment, and reach levels of personal growth they never anticipated.
