WATERVILLE VALLEY, New Hampshire — AbilityPLUS is a nonprofit organization located in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire dedicated to helping disabled people of all abilities realize their dreams of inclusion through adaptive skiing and other recreational opportunities. The summer of 2008 is no exception, with a full line up of AbilityPLUS weekly activities and special events set for June through August.

Weekly Activities

Tuesday evenings, June 10 to October 14 is bicycling with AbilityPLUS from 4-6 pm. Starting points vary each week with updates posted on their calendar of events at www.abilityplus.org

Wednesday evenings, July 2 to September 17, from 5-8 pm is waterskiing and/or kayaking on Little Squam Lake at River Edge Marina. All ages, disabilities and ability levels are welcome from those who have never water-skied/paddled to those with years of experience. Offered in collaboration with the Bretton Woods and Loon Adaptive Programs.

Special Events

July 20 Waterville Valley Annual Bike Classic

Riders can choose from a 25 mile, 50 mile or 75 mile ride in support of AbilityPLUS. All riders start from Waterville Valley in the early morning and return for a cookout at the base of Snows Mountain.

July 26-27 AbilityPLUS Adventure Sports Weekend

Camping, hiking, fishing, paddling for families who may have a member with a disability.

August 20-24 Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project

This event brings men and women who have been wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan to NH to participate in waterskiing, cycling and paddling. A joint effort by River Edge Marina, AbilityPLUS at Waterville Valley and Loon and Bretton Woods Adaptive Programs.

In addition to the above programs and events, AbilityPLUS offers a day camp for ages 6-14, which is totally integrated with the Town of Waterville Valley Recreation Department Day Camp. The day camp starts July 7 and runs Monday – Friday through August 25. Activities include active games, arts and crafts, field trips, swimming, cooking, hiking, cycling, tennis and golf. All disabilities are welcome. Children without independent daily living skills must come with an aid. Campers must pre-register at the AbilityPLUS office ( 603 236 4758 ) or the Recreation Department ( 603 236 4695 ).

AbilityPLUS was founded in 1997 by Kathy Chandler, the founder and director of the Waterville Valley Adaptive Skiing Program and a small group of volunteers who were inspired by the awesome achievements of the disabled participants. AbilityPLUS Programs are open to everyone, regardless of their age or disability. Reservations for programs are requested to ensure that enough appropriate adaptive equipment is available. The summer contact number is 603-236-4758 or you can e-mail them at [email]info@abilityplus.org[/email]. Additional information can be found on their web site at www.abilityplus.org.