In Maine, there is an organization that has been revitalizing the spirits of veterans and enabling them to accomplish things, once again, that they never thought possible. The organization is Veterans No Boundaries, a program of Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation formerly known as Maine Handicapped Skiing.

The organization’s website states, “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.”

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation was founded in 1982 by Dr. Omar (Chip) Crothers, a Portland-based orthopedic surgeon and Les B. Otten, founder of American Skiing Company. Crothers was amazed to see a young patient of his with cerebral palsy skiing easily on the slopes at Sunday River. He spoke to Otten and together they created the first adaptive ski organization in Maine for people with physical disabilities.

“Veterans No Boundaries started in 2005 as a specialty program to offer disabled veterans the opportunity to try new recreational activities,” said Kelsey Moody, program director. “We have a summer retreat and a winter retreat where we host veterans and their families for four days of recreation, camaraderie, lodging, meals and all necessary equipment at no charge.”

Moody said that while the program is for veterans, it is vital for family members to be part of the activity and the healing process that it cultivates.

“Staff and volunteers work with each veteran individually to provide adaptive equipment that allows them to enjoy the freedom in sports,” said Moody who is now planning the 2015 winter retreat for Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, at Sunday River Ski Resort. The retreat will feature alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing snowshoeing, biathlon demonstrations and snowmobiling.

“While our year-round programming is open to all veterans, we find that they enjoy the support and interaction they receive by participating with other veterans,” said Moody, who started as a program volunteer in 2006 and who joined the staff in 2013. “It is rewarding to see the look on their face when they first arrive not knowing what to expect. (They) conquer things they thought they’d never be able to do with other veterans like themselves.”

“The best part is that we work with the entire family to offer these activities which they can take home and enjoy together,” said Sara Stockwell of Waterford, an active volunteer who is also a board member with Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation. “Many of the veterans feel detached from their spouse and/or children when they return and really appreciate the whole family aspect.”

All Veterans No Boundaries programs are offered at no charge to participants. The program has been supported through donations from Bath Iron Works since 2007 and through Disabled Sports USA, veterans groups, area businesses and individuals.

While interest in the veteran retreats is brisk, applications to the program are always welcomed.

Moody explained that priority is given to veterans with combat-related injuries first, followed by those with service-related injuries and then those with a disability from a stroke or other debilitating conditions.

“The program is open to veterans of all ages,” said Moody.

Moody is currently working on other programs with the recreation department at the Maine VA Medical Center in Augusta.

“We hope to launch a program where ‘Veterans Day’ will take place one day each month,” said Moody. “We’ll offer recreational opportunities on that special day throughout the year.”

For more information on Veterans No Boundaries, contact Kelsey Moody at kmoody@maineadaptive.org or call 207-824-2440 or 800-639-7770.

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