Returning Home and Finding Community at Maine Adaptive
Hello Maine Adaptive participants, volunteers, donors, and community members! It is my great privilege to join this organization after a decade of immersive work in adaptive recreation. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share my excitement for meeting each of you in the coming months and years.
I believe that everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive needs, deserves no-barrier access to recreation and outdoor sports. I envision a future where equipment, instruction, experiences, parks, and forests are equitably available to every user group in this great country. This vision means working towards that bright future by broadening access through adaptive non-profit organizations like Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation.
I was first introduced to adaptive recreation as a junior volunteer with Adaptive Sports Partners in Franconia, New Hampshire, and fell completely in love with this incredible community. I then went on to support the launch of a nonprofit in Flagstaff, Arizona, now known as High Country Adaptive Sports to meet the need of a population seeking services and accommodations that hadn’t previously existed. It was there that I built my skill set as an instructor and trainer in the snowsports realm, earning my PSIA Adaptive Level II certification. In the years that followed, I rounded out my experience as a Program Manager, Program Director, Board Member, Board Chair, and Development Director for fantastic organizations across Colorado and Utah.
Then, this past autumn, I learned I was going to become an aunt to a child with Down Syndrome around the same time I got a phone call about an opportunity to join Maine Adaptive to support the organization’s growth and lasting legacy. It has been my honor to accept this important role at a critical time for the organization as we rise out of the pandemic. I will be working collaboratively with Lizz Peacock, Managing Director of Operations, and each of you, to steer the ship onward and upward into a bright and sustainable future for all.
I have so much to learn about each and every one of you and want to hear the stories that led you to Maine Adaptive. I will be attending programs throughout the summer to say hello and traveling across New England to meet as many participants and supporters as I can. Please come out and say hi, and tell me about yourself and why you stay involved. I can’t wait to meet you!
Thank you for everything that you do.
See you out there!
Amy Bannon
Want to get in touch? Send me an email: abannon@maineadaptive.org
