For those of you who are not familiar with the Adaptive Watersports Foundation here in Lake of the Woods let me give you the Cliff Notes version. Lake of the Woods Adaptive Watersports grew from the energies and passions of the local Waterski team. When they were witness to the difference that enabling the handicapped, or as they refer to them, the differently abled, to enjoy a day on the lake doing something they thought they would never be able to do, totally out of their current comfort zone and not only conquering that but falling in love with watersports as they themselves had – they were hooked and hooked hard. It is now their mission “to bring water-sports to differently-abled Veterans,
What do the participating Wounded Warriors and differently abled children and individuals get out of it? I am sure we will never know the full impact. Perhaps it is regaining some of the previous athleticism and adventures they had experienced in life. Perhaps it is facing the fear down and doing it anyway just to prove to themselves they can. Perhaps it is the triumph of spirit that occurs as they fly across the water as free as a bird (or fish?). Or, perhaps, it is just a day with their family, enjoying the summer and just not feeling different at all. Whatever it is that they do get out of the watersports events you can bet that it lasts longer than just that one day on the lake. It will affect them and those who love them for a lifetime. For some, it will be life changing.
Now the question, the real question, is “How can you get behind them and support their efforts and their mission to reach out and change the lives of the differently-abled? Of course, a donation is always welcome and they are a 501c3 so it is tax deductible. The equipment for the wounded warriors and differently-abled is expensive to have custom designed and kept in safe condition. But equally importantly, you can give your support. Make every effort to attend upcoming watersports events. Take your lawn chairs, picnic lunches, and noisemakers and let those challenging the water that day hear you cheering, see your support, feel your caring. Let them know by your presence that they matter and that you are behind them 100% . . . because what goal could not be accomplished if you knew the world was behind you and what triumph is not sweeter than when shared with others. Please mark this on your calendar and plan to attend –
– June 10th, 2017 – The 3rd Annual Veteran’s Adaptive Event – Clubhouse Point at Lake of the Woods – 9 am to 3 pm.Join us for another day of skiing, the sun, and above all, fun! The Lake of the Woods Adaptive Watersports Foundation is teaming up with the Wounded Warrior Project for the third year running to give wounded veterans and their families an amazing day on the water! Join us for adaptive skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, face painting, and so much more! We can’t wait to see all of your smiling faces there! Link to the event page is here-
