Winter is here and just about everyone I know is getting excited about enjoying some cold-weather adventures. Activities such as skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing are wildly popular in our neck of the woods. Did you know that many spots in Massachusetts offer adaptive winter activities that people of all abilities can take part in and enjoy?
The Universal Access Program and other supported programs run accessible and adaptive sports and activities in several locations throughout the state. The winter sports season recently started up, and there are lots of fun activities taking place.
The programs are run by professional staff. Family members and friends can also take part in the fun, and most programs are offered at low cost or suggest a small donation.
Adaptive equipment is available for participants to use.
Adaptive ice skating has become a popular sport in Massachusetts. There are currently programs in Worcester, East Boston, North Adams, Fall River, Brockton, Gardner, and Holyoke.
Participants can use skates, ice sleds, skate walkers, or wheelchairs to glide over the ice to navigate fun obstacle courses or participate in a game of hockey.
And speaking of hockey, how about trying the sport of sled hockey? A program is currently offered by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers at Veteran's Skating Rink in Everett. Participants will learn the sport and take part in scrimmages and games.
Sled hockey is also offered at the Wendell State Forest in Wendell.
There are also many wonderful programs available for those who want to hit the slopes this winter. Both the Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center's Ski/Ride Club and the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
staff offer instruction and equipment for skiers at Wachusett Mountain.
The Leo J. Martin Ski Track in Weston is also offering an introductory Para Nordic skiing clinic led by a U.S. Paralympics Nordic Team coach. Outdoor adventurers do not need to have any previous experience with the sport. The clinic is open to seated skiers, standing skiers, and those with visual impairments.
And there are even more winter sports to enjoy! How about winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and kick-sledding? Programs are located at several state parks and forests throughout the area.
Have you or a family member or friend participated in any of these adaptive winter programs in the past? If so please tell us more about your experience. Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Adaptive Program website to find out more about registering for specific sports, lessons, and programs. To experience even more winter fun in the Bay State, take a trip to these 8 Unforgettable Places.
And if you are looking for some high-quality gear to keep you warm and cozy while enjoying all of these amazing sports, check out the great products at L.L. Bean.
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