Funded ProjectsCelebrating the Human Spirit in the Rockies

Photo courtesy Adaptive Sports Center.

In 2016, the Chris Mikesell Foundation continued its support of the Adaptive Sports Center with a $500 grant to help people with disabilities experience the Rocky Mountains.  Since 2011, the Foundation has given $17,500 to this cause.

Learn more about their impact in this excerpt from a letter to the Foundation from Adaptive Sports Center Executive Director Christopher K. Hensley:

We push perceived limits and expand possibilities.
“Your crew went above and beyond to make sure that everyone got to experience each and every adventure to its fullest and their fullest potential. I’m not sure that I can explain what it felt like to be able to move my legs without any stranglehold of spasticity and to get pure power out of my muscles rather than conflicting signals and incoordination… but it was the first time my legs have felt like MY LEGS in 7 years! On the bike I had hours of uninterrupted coordination. My legs were free, and that without exception, was the most sublime sensation I have experienced in my lifetime.”
-Rebecca Gordon, Participant with Johns Hopkins International Neororehabilitation Institute – Baltimore

We keep our programs accessible regardless of a person’s ability to pay.
“I began Mountain Mobility a few years ago to help Colorado students with visual impairments get out of their comfort zones and build life skills through outdoor recreation. I have worked with the Adaptive Sports Center for three seasons now and continue to be impressed by how they work with me to customize each trip to meet our goals and really show these kids what is possible. Finding success with recreational activities can have powerful long-term effects on a student’s future. I take kids to adaptive programs around the state, but cost is often an issue. The Adaptive Sports Center has removed the financial barrier that so often prevents visually impaired students from participating in specially designed, adaptive outdoor recreation.”
-Brandon Mapes, Founder of Mountain Mobility

We help families.
“I began programming with the Adaptive Sports Center through the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation. The introduction to skiing and ice climbing has changed my life in many ways and had such a positive impact that it was one of the reasons my family moved to Crested Butte. ASC programs have allowed my family to enjoy recreating outdoors together which has had a major impact on all of our lives. A highlight of our summer was seeing our five year old daughter, who is an incomplete paraplegic, zip line twice.”
-Mitch Dryer, DC Firefighters Burn Foundation

We help rehabilitate wounded veterans: Operation Rise & Conquer.
“Adaptive rehabilitation, sports and recreation is our second priority after medical care and therapies. By having a partner like ASC enhancing our ability to support soldiers and families – we can greatly improve their mind, body and spirit which positively impacts their activities of daily living. The positive impact of your adaptive sports programs have been life changing and are nothing short of remarkable.”
-Aaron M. Termain, LTS, MS, Commanding, Ft. Carson Warrior Transition Battalion