2019 is here! What’s on your list of resolutions for the new year? One of our everlasting goals here at Wheel:Life is to stay active, which is why we highlight various adaptive events each month. Check out these five activities happening in January that we hope will inspire you to try something new and kick off the year with a little adventure!
January 11 & 18, 2019 • Gardner, MA
If you’re into winter sports, Massachusetts is the place to be! Head over to one of the state parks offering a range of activities from hiking in off-road wheelchairs to downhill and cross-country sit skiing. We have our eye on Dunn State Park and their newly launched outdoor skating program. Ice sleds and other equipment are provided, but make sure to register in advance so they can best accommodate your needs.
January 12, 2019 • Wauwatosa, WI
Adaptive sports programs often focus on sit skiing during the cold months, but if you’re not an adrenaline-seeker, flying down a mountain might not be your style. How about giving wheelchair curling a try? The sport made its Paralympic debut in the 2006 Turin games and has been gaining momentum ever since. Head over to the Wauwatosa Curling Club for a free lesson this January!
January 13 & 27 • Jackson, WY
If you’re a parent of a child with a disability looking to escape cabin fever this winter, bring your youngster to Snow King Sports & Events Center for a session on the ice! Participants will be coached by members of a local hockey team, and all necessary equipment will be provided by Teton Adaptive Sports. Bundle up and bring your camera — you’re going to want to capture the smile on your child’s face!
January 14, 2019 • Newry, ME
Calling all MS patients in the Northeast — January 14 is your chance to learn how to ski or perfect your skills! MS Cure Fund and Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation have partnered up again this year to bring you a day of adaptive skiing completely free of charge. All equipment (even clothing!) is provided. Make sure to register in advance and get cleared by your doctor.
January 17 – 20, 2019 • Sun Peaks, BC, Canada
Are you pretty confident on the slopes but looking to fine tune your skills and maybe even enter some competitions this winter? If yes, this camp is for you! You’ll get four days of high-caliber coaching on the mountain and in the classroom as well as the opportunity to meet and train with other adaptive skiers and snowboarders. If you can't make this one, register for the April camp now!
Are you looking for a new activity, but don’t see anything near you on our list? Contact your local adaptive sports organization to see what’s on their calendar for the new year. And remember, you’ll never know if you like something if you don’t give it a try. Here’s to a year full of joy, adventure, and new friendships!
About the Author
Betsy Bailey has a diverse background including experience in marketing research at American Express, business operations and client relations with 601am, travel and culinary writing with VegDining, and playing volleyball professionally overseas.
Betsy has been writing for Wheel:Life since January of 2017 and thoroughly enjoys the process of getting to know her interviewees. She also teaches students learning English as a second language, speaks French fluently, and travels any chance she gets!
