Get ready to have snow down your pants or water up your nose! It’s all part of the fun in programs founded by the Adaptive Sports Association (ASA) in Durango, Colorado.

People with any  disability can enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, while warm-weather offerings include rafting, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing and fishing.

Whether you have multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, an amputation or cognitive disabilities, state-of-the-art equipment allows you to participate in the many activities available at the association in southwestern Colorado. Instruction, usually one-on-one, is offered in a family-friendly atmosphere to individuals of all ages.

Founded in 1983 by Dave Spencer, who lost a leg to cancer, the Adaptive Sports Association strives to provide positive role models, increased socialization skills and improved body image through sports and recreation. Dave was a ski instructor who believed that his sport could challenge and uplift individuals with all sorts of disabilities. Although Dave lost his battle with cancer in 1986, his dream continues to enrich the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities through summer and winter programs.

Winter Sports
The wide range of equipment available as part of the winter sports program means that everyone can participate. Depending on your disability, you might use a mono-ski or bi-ski or participate in 3- or 4-track skiing.  Visually impaired? ASA has electronic and adaptive aids so you can get on the slopes with your friends. If you’re ready to push the limits, than you might try snowboarding, which is increasingly popular for people with various types of disabilities.

ASA continually adds cool new sports technology. For instance, the ski bike is the latest piece of equipment to be put to use on the mountain. Like a bicycle with skis instead of wheels, it takes weight off the legs and feet, and is incredibly easy to learn.  ASA is committed to introducing new sports technology as it becomes available.

Volunteering
Volunteers are an integral part of the ASA summer and winter program. You don’t have to be an expert skier or swimmer to garner the lifelong friends, hugs, smiles and tears of joy that reward those who give their time to the association. The nearly 200 annual volunteers age 17-70 come from all walks of life and donate a total of more than 15,000 hours each year.

Not sure if you have the skills to volunteer?  The Adaptive Sports Association will train intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders to teach adaptive snow sports. Summertime volunteers need no previous experience in water sports.

Upcoming Events
ASA has several major events throughout the year.

September: ASA will hold its annual live and silent auctions during a Harvest Gala dinner party on Thursday, September 11 at Ken and Sue’s restaurant in Durango.

November: Winter volunteer orientations.

December: The snow program begins; runs through April.

February: The Colorado Special Olympics Area Games Regional Race takes place.

March: The biggest event of the year, the Dave Spencer Ski Classic, is held. Participants from all over the country gather to raise money, party and have fun. The race is non-competitive with prizes awarded for everything from biggest wipeouts to best costumes.

May: Summer volunteer training for the June-August season.

Photos courtesy of the ASA website, where more detailed information can be found: http://www.asadurango.com