Crested Butte nonprofit offers recreation for disabled community
By Melissa Voss
Nature is truly healing for the mind, body and soul. Many escape to the Colorado mountains to connect with nature and enjoy the numerous activities. But the Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte works to take that one step further – to give anyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) was started in 1987 by a passionate group of Crested Butte locals; it was first known as the Crested Butte Physically Challenged Ski Program. After one year and 30 participants, the non-profit received a donation from President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter in 1988. With the donation, ASC was able to expand their vision to aid others not only in Colorado, but the United States and beyond.
“Our beginnings started with individuals with disabilities and special circumstances coming out to Crested Butte for lessons and vacations, and the ski school didn’t have the capacity to serve these people,” says Jessica Taylor, marketing manager at the Adaptive Sports Center. “The ski program evolved over time and started to include numerous summer sports like mountain biking, hiking, climbing, stand-up/sit-down paddle boarding and kayaking, just to name a few.”
Taylor points out that Crested Butte and Gunnison County have combined efforts to give participants access to several outdoor activities, no matter the time of year.
“I have not been here terribly long, but I've been able to see both the summer and winter programs,” she shared. “You’re able to see people push themselves and try new things, especially if they were once able-bodied and then recently became disabled. … We have incredible access that not every community has and so it’s really easy to transport people from our building to the recreation sites.”
With the help of numerous donors and volunteers who donate year-round, ASC is able to create a daily experience that is more affordable. Instead of paying nearly $900, costs have been reduced to about $95.
To participate in an adapted sport, funds are needed for not only lodging but adaptive equipment rental, instructor fees, travel and more. ASC’s mission is to make it an affordable option for individuals, as well as their entire families.
“I do a lot of interviews myself with families for our newsletter,” Taylor explains. “These interviews have been the most impactful for me because they are so elated to talk about their experiences – sharing their story with other people and wanting others to experience the same joy.”
ASC also realizes that everyone’s financial situation is different. That’s why ASC provides scholarship opportunities that allow families to pay what they can so they can enjoy an outdoor experience.
“You never know what kinds of bills they go through with therapy, tutors, therapists, hospitals. To give the option of a scholarship, in any degree, has transformed the experience by alleviating the weight off of their shoulders. I am proud that we are able to support in that way,” she says.
The ASC is always looking for participants who are willing to share their love for the great outdoors with others. Those who participate at least once throughout the year are given a season pass to Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Looking to participate, volunteer or donate to ASC programs? Visit their website for all contact avenues.