Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation

After 30 years of being known as Maine Handicapped Skiing, we are now Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation. Under our new name, we are proud to continue offering year-round adaptive recreational programs that teach adaptive sports activities to people with physical disabilities, ages four and up. Maine Adaptive is the largest year-round adaptive recreation program in the state of Maine for adults and children with physical disabilities. Over 400 volunteers assist our athletes in appreciating the joys and challenges of sports participation.

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation (Maine Adaptive) was founded in 1982 by Dr. Omar (Chip) Crothers, a Portland-based orthopedic surgeon and Leslie B. Otten, founder of American Skiing Company. Dr. Crothers was amazed to see a young patient of his with cerebral palsy skiing easily on the slopes at Sunday River. He spoke to Mr. Otten at Sunday River and together they created Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation, the first adaptive ski organization in Maine for people with physical disabilities. In 1982 Maine Adaptive was housed at Sunday River’s South Ridge Lodge with 8 participants, 2 volunteers and one part-time staff member. Today, Maine Adaptive has its own 4300 square foot slope side facility at Sunday River. Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation: Has gone from one winter sport to 4 winter sports and 6 winter locations Has grown from 8 participants to over 350 participants annually Has expanded from 2 volunteers to over 450 volunteers annually Has created a full summer program of golf, cycling, paddling, hiking & fishing  Mission & Core Values Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation promotes year-round education and training for individuals with physical disabilities in order to develop skills and provide enjoyment through active recreation. Our Core Values: We are committed to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to overcome perceived limitations and boundaries. We believe that participation in outdoor recreation will foster a sense of pride, confidence and self esteem that will carry over into our athletes’ everyday lives. We support and encourage reasonable risk taking that will empower our athletes to challenge themselves and exceed expectations. Our staff and volunteers are committed to providing professional instruction in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere to create a caring community and a fun experience for all participants (athletes, volunteers and staff). Every Maine Adaptive program will offer recreational education of the highest quality, free of charge to our athletes.