BETHEL — Since 1982, Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation has stood on and been driven by a powerful belief: everyone, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to experience the joy, freedom, and belonging found in outdoor recreation. Annually, around 300 Maine Adaptive volunteers provide more than 2,500 lessons in alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cycling, golf, pickleball, mountain biking, climbing and paddling. The offerings continue to grow, and with them, a promising, yet real, challenge.
“Maine Adaptive is stronger, more relevant, and more impactful than ever, but our impact has outgrown our infrastructure,” Paul Hogan, Maine Adaptive board president, said.
Enter the Access Unlimited Capital Campaign to raise money for the new Mountain Center, which will serve as the organization’s first permanent, year-round home.
“By purchasing and revitalizing the historic Outward Bound campus in Newry, we will finally address the operational challenges that have long restricted our capacity: insufficient space for our growing equipment fleet, the inability to run multi-day programs, the lack of affordable and accessible lodging, and the rising costs of rented venues,” Hogan said. “The Sundance Lodge at Sunday River will remain our winter home, but this new recreation hub will centralize our programs under one roof and across 339 acres.”
In continuing its proud support of Maine Adaptive, Norway Savings Bank is pleased to make a $10,000 commitment to the campaign.
“Maine Adaptive has developed skills, enhanced independence, built confidence, and provided enjoyment for thousands of participants since its inception,” Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank, said. “With trails, lodging, gathering rooms, and some accessible infrastructure already in place, the Mountain Center will enable Maine Adaptive to provide year-round opportunities that were never possible before.”
“My gratitude for these contributions cannot be measured. NSB’s generosity will help us open doors for thousands of people with disabilities in the decades ahead,” Hogan said. “Together, we can remove the barriers that limit access and expand what’s possible, ensuring Maine Adaptive remains a place of empowerment and adventure for generations to come.”
For more information about Maine Adaptive, including how to participate, volunteer, or make a donation, visit www.maineadaptive.org or call 207-824-2440.