AbilityPLUS was founded in 1997 by Kathy Chandler, Director of the Waterville Valley Adaptive Skiing Program, and a small group of volunteers who were inspired by the awesome achievements of the disabled participants. Programs are open to everyone, regardless of their age or disability.
Riveredge Marina in the nearby town of Holderness will host the group on Wednesdays starting July 1st for water skiing at 2 p.m. and kayaking at 5 p.m., both on Little Squam Lake. All ages, disabilities and ability levels are welcome, from those who have never water skied or paddled to those with years of experience. The cost is $20 per session for water skiing or kayaking or $40 per session with a kayak rental.
On Tuesdays at 4 p.m., cycling enthusiasts can join in a group ride through Franconia Notch on the bike path. The cost is $20 per session. Interested cyclists should contact Erik at (978) 771-2675.
The organization will also participate in special events this summer, including Paralympic Dryland Training Camp in Lake Placid, N.Y. (July 27-30), the Disabled Sports/USA Adapt to Achieve Symposium in Wolfeboro, N.H. (August 21-23), the AbilityPLUS Annual Golf Tournament at Owl's Nest in Campton, N.H. (August 24) and the Northeast Adaptive Sports Coalition Wounded Warrior Events around the state (August 26-30), when men and women wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan will participate in water skiing, cycling and paddling.
Reservations are requested for each program to ensure that enough appropriate adaptive equipment is available. The summer contact number is (603) 236-4758 or email statem(at)abilityplus.org.
