It's that time of year again...for the Adaptive Sports Connection Winter Sports Challenge (previously known as TAASC Skiathon)! It's not too late to get involved. Our annual fundraiser event is this Saturday, February 2nd at Snow Trails in Mansfield, Ohio.  I would first like to invite anyone interested in attending as a participant to please come and join the fun.  For details regarding the day's event and how to register please go to AdaptiveSportsConnection.org.  If you are unable to attend but would still be willing to help financially contribute to this amazing non-profit, that has been a huge blessing to my entire family, we would be so appreciative. You can donate directly through this pape by selecting the link above or you can mail a check to me made out to Adaptive Sports Connection.  The money raised goes directly to providing opportunities for adaptive sports for people of all ages and disabilities living in the Buckeye State.  If you know of anyone with any type of disability please pass along the website.  Adaptive Sports Connection provides sporting opportunities year round including: Down hill skiing, water skiing, kayaking, water skiing, cycling, climbing, etc. One of the many reasons I love this organization is that it encourages the whole family to get involved.  Rick, Simon, and Donny have all benefited from adaptive snow ski lessons and now Rick is a certified ski instructor and Simon and Donny are lesson helpers.  I also look forward to going up to the hill each Saturday in the Winter to help teach.  I have enjoyed skiing with individuals living with Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Amputations, Intellectual Disabilities, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Autism, Spina Bifida, CP, Visual Impairments, other Developmental Disorders, Arthritis, Skew Foot and other Joint Deformities, etc.  As I like to say, "when there is a will and a hill...there is a way!"  Through the individualized lessons Adaptive Sports Connection (ASC) provides, many participants learn to ski indpendently with or without adaptive equipment and others continue to ski with help from a volunteer or a trained family or friend But I can guarantee all of the students, volunteers, and others involved have a blast! If you don't believe me you'll have to come out and see for yourself!  

Founded in 1992, Adaptive Sports Connection empowers children, adults, and veterans with physical and cognitive challenges through sports and therapeutic outdoor recreation.

We are an active chapter member of Disabled Sports USA, a national organization focused on improving the lives of wounded warriors, youth, and adults with disabilities by providing sports and recreation opportunities.

Over the years, we have been able to impact the lives of thousands of individuals and family members. From teaching a veteran how to water ski with one leg to helping a 92-year old hospice patient snow ski one last time – our programs change lives.

An unexpected accident that causes a spinal cord injury; cancer or diabetes that causes an amputation; war that causes an injury; birth defect that causes a malformation; neurological condition that causes immobility; stroke that causes partial paralysis; infection that causes vision impairment; substance abuse, dementia, brain injury, trauma, and any number of other conditions that cause cognitive and physical disabilities.

Research has since confirmed the power that sports can have for people with disabilities. A Harris Interactive research study of more than 1,000 adults with disabilities showed that those participating in adaptive sports programs had higher employment rates, were happier, healthier, and enjoyed higher socialization than those not participating in adaptive sports.

Through community partnerships with other organizations and school systems, along with increased awareness of our programs, we have seen an increase of nearly 50% - serving 1700 participants and family members. We had 1500 volunteer visits last year logging in nearly 78,000 hours.

With our continued growth, your support is critical. It costs $364 to serve one participant. From adaptive equipment, transportation, medical observation, adaptive sports training for volunteers, insurance, day programs, custom events, excursions and individual activities.

We need your help to keep up with the growing demands for our programs.