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 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:
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Has gone from one winter sport to 5 winter sports and 5 winter locations
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Has grown from 8 participants to over 400 participants annually
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Has expanded from 2 volunteers to over 450 volunteers annually
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Has created a full summer program of golf, cycling, paddling & tennis
Recently Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation has:
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Expanded our Tennis program to include Pickleball.
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Integrated with the Shawnee Peak Adaptive Program to take on the management of the Pleasant Mountain adaptive ski program for local schools.
We believe that the skills our participants gain at Maine Adaptive will enhance other aspects of their lives; giving them self-confidence, self-motivation, increased physical strength and an improved self-image.
It is our hope that our participants will continue to be active in sports with family and friends all through their lives.
Maine Adaptive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt organization.
EIN 01-0388818