Nestled among the majestic mountains of Western Maine and the scenic Androscoggin River, is the Sunday River Ski Resort. Sunday River is the headquarters of Maine Handicapped Skiing (MHS), one of the finest adaptive sports programs in the country. MHS hosts adaptive sports programs throughout the year for more than 200 adults and children with physical disabilities.

Persons with disabilities want more opportunities to participate in various sports and recreation activities. In response to this demand, sports equipment has been adapted or changed to fit specific needs. New ways of understanding how sports can be taught to persons with disabilities also has brought about instructional adaptations for this population.

Participants in MHS have a range of disabilities including autism, hearing and vision impairments, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and other neuromuscular conditions. In addition to residents of Maine and New England, participants come from across the U.S. and Great Britain. Participants submit an application and a physician's statement before undergoing an evaluation by MHS staff to determine their particular interests and abilities.

For more information contact Maine Handicapped Skiing at http://www.ncpad.org/671/2882/2003-01-01

Footnote:

MHS Hosts the Nordic Recruitment Camp For United States Disabled Cross-Country Ski Team

Maine Handicapped Skiing, in conjunction with Disabled Sports/USA, is sponsoring a Nordic Recruitment Camp for the US Disabled Cross-Country Ski Team on Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23, 2003, at Sunday River Inn and Cross Country Ski Center in Newry, Maine. "We are looking for a few good men and women with a genuine interest in training for the United States Disabled Cross Country Ski Team," said Jon Kreamelmeyer, Disabled Cross-Country Head Coach of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association. For complete details, contact Katie Boivin at 800-639-7770.