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What Does $109,000 Mean to Maine Adaptive?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Amy Bannon, Co-Executive Director
Email: abannon@maineadaptive.org
Phone: (207) 824-2440

Maine Adaptive Receives $109,000 Grant from Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to Empower the Lives of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries

 

NEWRY, Maine, September 8, 2025 – Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation is proud to announce it has been awarded $109,000 from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, one of the largest grants the organization has ever received, to upgrade seated winter adaptive equipment and add new adaptive bikes to its fleet.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation’s mission is committed to a world where individuals with spinal cord injuries, and those who care for them, live full and productive lives as active participants in their communities. The Foundation’s investment will ensure that Maine Adaptive students with Spinal Cord Injuries have access to the latest gear, which will enhance independent outcomes and increase the quality of life for people with disabilities returning to sports after an accident or diagnosis.

 

New adaptive equipment made possible by the grant includes:

 

  • Three Bi-Skis, a seated skiing device with two articulating skis underneath the seat that is maneuvered by the adaptive skier using handheld outriggers. These devices are typically used by students with higher-level spinal cord injuries.
  • Three Mono-Skis, a seated skiing device with one ski mounted below the seat. These devices are typically used by students with lower-level spinal cord injuries.
  • One Snow’Kart, a seated device with two articulating skis underneath that are steered by a handlebar system. This device is typically used by individuals with more complex mobility needs and spinal cord injuries.
  • A fleet of handheld outriggers, like crutches with skis, for enhanced stability and mobility for sit-skiers.
  • Two custom seating systems to provide enhanced neck and head support for higher-level injuries.
  • Two adaptive handcycle mountain bikes.
  • Various sit-ski accessories to enhance fitting for a diverse range of mobility needs – A bi-ski handlebar, fixed outriggers, and training outriggers.

“These upgrades represent much-needed and long-anticipated enhancements that will benefit our students for years to come,” said Amy Bannon, Co-Executive Director of Maine Adaptive. “With this support, we can replace aging equipment and ensure our fleet remains at the forefront of adaptive technology. The new bikes and seated winter equipment will expand opportunities for skill development, increase independence, and allow our students to fully experience the joy and freedom of skiing and cycling. Importantly, this grant expands our ability to serve more students, helping 50 individuals with spinal cord injuries and 10 students who previously couldn’t participate due to equipment limitations.”

 

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation is the largest private funder of spinal cord injury research, rehabilitation, and programmatic support in the U.S. and Canada. The Foundation partners with organizations that provide research, training, and services for individuals affected by spinal cord injury, aiming to help them live full and active lives as valued members of their communities. Learn more at chnfoundation.org.

 

About Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation

Founded in 1982, Maine Adaptive is the largest year-round adaptive recreation program in the state, providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in sports. With the help of more than 400 dedicated volunteers, Maine Adaptive delivers over 3,500 lessons annually. The program thrives on the generous support of individuals, businesses, corporations, and foundations.