NEW HARTFORD, Conn. — Summit Adaptive Sports, Inc., a nonprofit based in New Hartford, recently received a $50,000 grant from The Hartford for new adaptive sports equipment.
Summit Adaptive Sports is a member of the Move United network, which works to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to sports and recreation in their community. A release from the nonprofit on Thursday said that the grant will allow for the purchase of alpine and Nordic sit skis, custom kayaks and paddleboards and adapted mountain bikes, which will expand winter and summer sports programming for individuals with disabilities.
Emily Landers, a para-athlete who participates in long distance cycling, was also surprised with a custom-fit, hand cycle courtesy of The Hartford, according to the release. The new equipment will improve Landers’ quality of life and her ability to remain active and independent.
The release said it will also help Landers stay active and independent while providing her with the means to continue participating in adaptive sports, which the release said have improved her physical health and mental and emotional well-being.
According to the release, Landers' passion for sports has been a source of strength and empowerment, as sports allow her to overcome the daily challenges posed by her spinal cord injury.
“Participating in sports provides lifelong opportunities for physical and mental development as well as opportunities for individual accomplishment and inclusive family activities,” Summit Adaptive Sports Executive Director Karen Cook said, in the release.
Summit Adaptive Sports offers ski and snowboard lessons at Ski Sundown to people of all ages with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities. The release said that in the spring, summer and fall, the nonprofit facilitates programs including kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and disc golf at various locations in northwestern Connecticut.
Over the last two seasons, Summit Adaptive Sports has provided more than 600 adaptive lessons each year to over 160 athletes, the release said.
With more than 200 years of experience, The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds, according to the release.
The release also said that Move United is the national leader in community adaptive sports, working with 125,000 youth and adults with disabilities on a yearly basis to help them live to their full potential.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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