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Message from our Execut ive Director There’s no denying that the COVID pandemic has been a major challenge for the ASF and its activities. After a long forced break, we resumed our activities last June while respecting public health measures. The speed at which things opened back up surprised us a little, but I’m happy to say that our summer program was a resounding success – much to everyone’s delight. Participants were eager to end their isolation and socialize again in person. Rest assured that the ASF will continue to actively collaborate with its partners to offer people living with a physical disability more opportunities to push themselves and regain their self-confidence. I want to thank all the volunteers who adapted to the many health rules with a smile and their contagious enthusiasm. We hope that this issue of the newsletter will mean as much to you as it does to us. None of this would be possible without the financial support of our donors. Thank you for making a difference and for inspiring hundreds of participants each year.
ASF | 2021 Fall Newsletter
Fall 2021
Adapt ing to a pandemic This summer we had to follow much stricter than usual guidelines – which seemed to change daily. It took a lot of quick-thinking adaptation, but in the end we managed. During activities, our volunteers safely assisted participants by wearing masks and keeping the recommended distance. With COVID being a constant concern, we were only able to accept participants who could move from their chairs to the equipment on their own. For this year’s ski season, we must require ASF volunteers to have their vaccination passports, just like the hills do. At the time of writing this, it’s difficult to say how many volunteers will be able to join us this winter.
Offer instant happiness! Your donations help us spread instant happiness. ASF volunteers are regularly described as “merchants of happiness” and rightly so. We give participants an opportunity to enjoy themselves through a variety of sports delivered in a fun and safe setting. When participants succeed in pushing their limits through sports, the feeling of happiness is immense and palpable.
Volunteers with a big heart Year after year, we are extremely fortunate to be able to count on the involvement of numerous volunteers. Prior to the pandemic, more than 225 volunteers generously offered their time. This summer – despite the ongoing pandemic – 148 people joined us to offer a host of activities. The ASF model is based on volunteer involvement and without them, nothing we do would be possible. Thanks to our volunteers, we continue to encourage people with reduced mobility to get active and have a chance to break out of one’s isolation, socialize with others, regain self-confidence and reach their full potential. A HUGE thank you!
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The Robert B. Winsor Award
In January, we sadly learned of the passing of Robert (Bob) B. Winsor, a member of the ASF Board of Directors since 2012. Bob had a massive impact on our organization and we are deeply grateful for his immense contributions. To honour Bob’s memory, the ASF board has decided to create the Robert B. Winsor Award. Each year it will be awarded to recognize a participant’s sporting resilience, high level of independence and desire to reach their full potential. Recipients will be expected to demonstrate leadership and be a real motivator for their peers.
A t ASF…it’s a family affair!
Congratulat ions Janie Duguay We are proud to present the first-ever Robert B. Winsor Award to Janie Duguay, a participant in ASF’s alpine skiing, water skiing and paddle boarding programs. One of our highlights of the summer of 2021 was undoubtedly when Janie became a volunteer water ski instructor. Janie has also participated in numerous sports camps as a Canadian Forces Veteran, helping injured military personnel break out of their isolation. Congratulations, Janie, on this well-deserved award.
Our Ult imate Goal
Break out of isolat ion, socialize with others, have fun and gain confidence!
Dave Richer and his wife Annabelle Lefebvre in the Tessier Snow Kart
The number of people enjoying outdoor activities within our program is growing by leaps and bounds. We continue to add activities to our roster to better serve ASF participants and give them even more opportunities to get moving. We currently offer more than 10 activities that focus on 4 main objectives: Providing the equipment needed for the activities Travelling to where other organizations serve children and adults living with disabilities so that they can experience unforgettable moments
Summer and winter volunteer Alain Côté with his son Marc Antoine
Recruiting, training and certifying as many dedicated volunteers as possible to address the lack of support that currently exists in outdoor activities for people with disabilities Providing the necessary tools and instruction so that participants can reach their full potential and, for some, to eventually become fully independent and volunteer with the ASF to ensure the sustainability of our programs
Impact
Growing our roster of activities will consolidate the ASF as a leader in making adaptive outdoor sports accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Long-time volunteer Sara Fournier at the InclusActive Challenge with her children
Support our mission and help us grow!
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ASF | 2021 Fall Newsletter
2021 Summer Season ׀Highlights
211 for the 2021 summer
separate registrations
participants
11
different cities visited
Canadian Armed Forces Veterans serving as volunteers participants under the age of 18
24
148
310
10
different activities
summer volunteers
45
12
59
summer activity days
2696
volunteer hours
veterans took part in activities focusing on rehabilitation through sports.
Figures compiled on October 6, 2021
L’Inclusive, more than just a beer! The ASF and the West Shefford Brewing Company are proud to join forces to offer you L’Inclusive – an ASF-branded beer! This unifying lager was a hit with beer lovers this past summer. Since May, $6,250 has been donated to the ASF to support our sports programs. The ASF’s motto is to promote inclusion through sports, hence the name “Inclusive”. Points of sale can be found on the West Shefford Brewing Company website at
www.brasseursdewestshefford.ca
L’Inclusive in Knowlton
L’Inclusive in Bromont
Dépaneur Rouge Inc.
West Shefford Brewers
Sapin Bistro Pub de Knowlton
IGA Lambert
IGA Knowlton Marina Knowlton
Metro Plus Plouffe Dépanneur Carrefour 74
Thank you for your support! e
Thanks to La Fondat ion Centre Montérégien de Réadaptat ion The Adaptive Sports Foundation wishes to express its gratitude to La Fondation Centre Montérégien de Réadaptation CMR for its recent donation in the amount of $50,000. This generous contribution was made to help the ASF to increase the number of activity days for people living with physical disabilities in the greater Montérégie region. This region will now benefit from an increased number of activities in various disciplines. Our goal is to offer unforgettable outdoor experiences to as many people as possible and thanks to the Fondation du Center Monterégien de Readaptation, we are a step closer to reaching our goal.
ASF | 2021 Fall Newsletter
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The impact of your involvement!
School out ings...for all! For some time now, we have been working with schools to offer our services to students with reduced mobility during school outings. Unfortunately, most schools lack the equipment or experience needed to assist students with reduced mobility on school outings, which means they often miss out while their classmates enjoy a day of downhill skiing, mountain biking, or other outdoor fun. The ASF offers its expertise, its many dedicated volunteers and the necessary adaptive equipment so that these students can take part in these outdoor activities as well. We are strongly opposed to the idea of a young person being sent home while his or her classmates get to enjoy a school outing.
The Adaptive Sports Foundation graciously thanks you for supporting our mission and for enabling us to keep growing. Our goal is to provide more opportunities for people with physical disabilities who need assistance to participate in outdoor activities. By 2023, our goal is to accommodate over 1,200 youth, adults and injured veterans. Your financial support allows us to make every effort to positively impact the lives of our participants and their families.
A special mention
Sébast ien Boisvert
Sébastien first joined the ASF in the 1990’s as a participant learning to water ski at Camp Massawippi in Ayer’s Cliff. Then he signed up for downhill skiing at Owl’s Head. Sébastien now gives back to the program as a volunteer. We are happy to have him in whatever role he is assigned. Thanks Seb!
Thank you! Local businesses: Making a difference since 1995 The Adaptive Sports Foundation was founded by Knowlton resident Peter Treacy in 1995, and we are extremely privileged to have been able to count on the collaboration of local merchants ever since. It’s worth mentioning that we offer our water skiing and kayaking activities here in Knowlton The vast majority of our participants hail from outside the Eastern Townships and most are discovering the beauty of our region for the first time when they arrive at our activity sites. We are proud to contribute to the region’s reputation and to be able to count on local businesses to help us promote adaptive outdoor sports. Note that they are more supporting ASF by selling the Inclusive beer. Find the list on page 3. Virgin Hill Coffee Sales of “Hello Sunshine!” cups (thank you Nathalie Rivard for coming up with this great initiative!) Robin Badger Pottery Creation of “Hello Sunshine!” cups to support the Adaptive Sports Foundation
Legion Branch 23 Generous contribution of $2,000 to the Canadian Armed Forces injured soldiers sports program
Rona Knowlton Fundraising activities
Camping Domaine Des Érables Waterskiing and Kayaking activites
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ASF | 2021 Fall Newsletter
A “COVID” approach to our 2021 Golf Tournament This year, due to a lack of resources and personnel, we collaborated with West Shefford Brewing Company in Bromont to organize a joint golf tournament. This collaboration allowed us to put on a quality tournament, to the immense pleasure of the players. In addition to enjoying a great day at the Parcours du Vieux Village Golf Club in Bromont, golfers, sponsors and partners helped raise a record $50,000. We sincerely thank the tournament’s two official co-hosts, Alain Pharand, Mutual Fund and Exempt Market Broker Representative at White Haven, and Richard Gaudet, President of PRO Ingredients. The funds raised this year will be used to renew certain summer equipment for our 2022 summer season. Thanks to all of you and we’ll see you again next year!
2nd edit ion of the InclusAct ive Challenge! This year’s ASF InclusACTIVE Challenge brought together more than 75 participants from August 13 to 15, 2021. These courageous athletes of all stripes took on a variety of outdoor challenges to support and promote inclusion through sports. Both on land and on water – from para-cycling to adaptive surfing, solo and in teams – our participants helped us surpass our goal by raising over $50,000 to purchase equipment for new ASF summer programs such as kayaking, horseback riding and para-cycling. Many participants living with disabilities took part in our 2021 InclusACTIVE Challenge, proving once again that anything is possible with the right equipment and a bit of adaptation!
A young participant during a Dahu trek
Our act ivit ies in virtual reality! The firm IFeelVirtual has generously committed to filming some of our activities this year using VR technology. Our goal is to bring the thrill and adrenaline rush participants feel during ASF activities to life. Now, donors and anyone else will be able to “experience” ASF activities in VR mode, right from the comfort of their own living room! We also hope to offer VR viewing sessions at respite centres such as the Centre Horizon de Léry for users who cannot participate in ASF activities due to their functional limitations. VR headsets were donated by long-time ASF donor, the Daniel Moquin Foundation of Hope. Just like the ASF, this foundation strives to promote inclusion through sports. Thank you, Denis and Julie from Ifeel and to you Daniel for your support! #ifeelvirtual #adaptivesportsfoundation #fondationDanielMoquin
ASF | 2021 Fall Newsletter
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A promising 2022 winter season
The recent easing of COVID health restrictions will certainly help to increase the number of our participants, especially for adaptive alpine skiing. Among the new recommendations, ski hills are no longer required to limit the number of outside visitors, although a vaccination passport will be required. Distancing will also no longer be required outside, which is an important flexibility for the ASF and its volunteers.
Veterans in act ion The ASF is committed to the well-being of veterans. Our activity days and sports camps provide a friendly setting where they can break out of their isolation and socialize with others through sports. We also combine business with pleasure by offering veterans a second mission: a chance to join our team of volunteers. By getting involved, they can help others with disabilities enjoy sports and test their limits. We had veterans participating in our water sports activities this summer. Veterans, veteranvolunteers and ASF volunteers were able to join forces thanks to a collaboration between the ASF, the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Centre and the organization Sans Limites in Quebec City and Montreal. These activities would not be possible without the financial support of the Quebec Veterans Foundation and Les Bottes Royer, to whom we extend our sincere thanks.
Post-pandemic Prior to the pandemic, the ASF was on a roll with its wide range of programs. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced us to press the pause button. Now, just like everyone else, people living with disabilities are feeling a strong need to enjoy outdoor activities and the mental health benefits they provide. Thanks to you, we are able to resume our activities and continue to grow together.
c If you are interested in supporting our program, please contact Frédéric Jean, our Military Activities Coordinator at fred@sportsadaptes.ca.
Adapt ive RockCliming at Parc Jean Drapeau On June 30, 2021, we organized a climbing activity as part of a discovery program in collaboration with Accès grimpe. This organization provides the necessary professional and technical supervision to safely try out climbing. Our ASF participants were treated to an extraordinary initiation, as this picture taken by Marie-Ève can testify. The discovery program helps our members discover different activities and give them different experiences. This program is mainly based on close collaborations with companies offering outdoor activities that we do not offer.
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ASF | 2021 Fall Newsletter
Inaugural season for para-cycling Thanks to a unique collaboration between the Bromont National Cycling Centre (CNCB) and the ASF, more than a hundred people living with an intellectual, visual, hearing or physical disability were able to discover the joys of cycling this year. (Photo) Julien, a cross-country para-athlete on the Canadian Special Olympics team, trying out tandem with our volunteer Philippe, thanks to the ASF, the CNCB and his employer, Groupe AFFI.
A Dahu at the Centre Horizon in Léry Kayaking with the Northeast Disabled A thlet ic A ssociat ion
Thanks to Cathy Webster and the Northeast Disabled Athletic Association, we enjoyed a fantastic day on the canal at the Domaine des Érables in Brome Lake. Check out the state-of-the-art equipment on these kayaks! Paddles supported on a free pivot, rear stabilizers, and even a transfer bench and wheels for launching! Wow – just wow! We have a great 2022 kayaking program in store for you!
Everest-ORFORD Challenge
Daniel Moquin and Mr. Thierry Gagné, president of the Centre Horizon Since 2016, the Daniel Moquin Foundation of Hope has been supporting the ASF’s mission and projects through various fundraising activities such as the annual golf tournament. Since its creation, the Daniel Moquin Foundation of Hope has been promoting the benefits of sports for people living with physical disabilities – just like the ASF. This year, it generously donated two Dahus to the Centre Horizon de Léry. These adaptive chairs allow users to enjoy short walks along Lake Saint-Louis in the company of centre staff or volunteers. The ASF is committed to collaborating in this worthy project.
ASF | 2021 Fall Newsletter
We need to highlight the exceptional initiative of Fernand Courchesne who organized the Everest-ORFORD Challenge from September 4 to 6, 2021. The event drew more than 100 runners who took people with functional limitations up Mount Orford in Dahus. They ascended more than 11,000 m over a total distance of 173 km. Mount Everest is 8,848 metres high, which means they reached the summit – and beyond! The event surpassed a second goal as well: We raised $10,580 – more than a half-grand above our original $10,000 target. We also need to applaud the support of the Granby Police Department, which played a big part in the event’s success, thanks to their incredible fundraising efforts and presence throughout the weekend.
2021 Bromont Ultra The Bromont Ultra (BU) is a philanthropic race that takes place each fall on the trails of Bromont, Quebec. Since 2015, the ASF has participated in this event each year without fail, with our team running a 5 to 6 km loop. This year’s event was particularly special as we had 21 recruits from the Royal Military College Saint-Jean running as a team with civilian runners, clocking 90 km over 12 hours with 3 Dahus. Thank you to the many donors and participants who support the ASF through the Bromont Ultra! Thanks to you, we raised over $11,000.
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Tel que vu sur Facebook!
Lowe’s Canada Heroes Knowlton Rona: As part of the Lowe’s Canada Heroes Campaign, which ran from September 1st to 30th, 2021, the Knowlton Rona generously donated $2,209.50.
Thank you all for support ing our mission!
Test imonial Thanks again for a great day and a wonderful experience. Being able to participate in this event with my family was really special. You and your team are great and I wish I could help as a volunteer to share with others the same happiness that I felt! -Joël Dias, first-time water skiing participant this summer
In the interest of helping environment, we would like to send all tax receipts by email. Please complete the donation form, check the appropriate box and return it to us. Thank you for helping us make a positive difference for the environment. Thank you !
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549 Knowlton Rd. Brome-Lake, Qc J0E 1C0 (450) 243-5985 www.adaptivesports.ca
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ASF | 2021 Fall Newsletter