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Big Red is rockin’ as funds are raised for new van

Published in the Durango Herald on August 15, 2012

JERRY McBRIDE/Durango Herald

Saying the Durango Adaptive Sports Association gives people with cognitive and physical disabilities opportunities for outdoor recreation is only telling a small part of the story. What it really does is give confidence, restore the spirit and expand horizons.

On Sunday, at the retirement party for Big Red, the organization’s multi-person handicapped-accessible van, folks had a chance to see Adaptive Sports’ new video highlighting the work it does in both the winter and summer months. The event included brats (the fixin’s thanks to the Lost Dog Bar & Lounge) and beer (courtesy of Carver Brewing Co.). Also helping out were Durango Party Rental, Coca-Cola Durango, Norton’s Catering, Edgemont Picnic Grounds and Karen Esser, baker of fabulous brownies.

More than 100 people saw the smiling faces, the falls and the getting back up to try again, the joy of success and the beauty of the outdoors appreciated as never before. I got the chance to sit down with the ASA crew, including Executive Director Tim Kroes, office manager Lee Hagar, Program Director Ann Marie Meighan and Assistant Program Director Iris Gardner, to hear how the summer is going at ASA. They’re having the biggest summer yet, with more than 300 student days. Clients have enjoyed fishing, canoeing, kayaking, camping, river rafting, paddle boarding, water skiing and cycling – a cornucopia of activities taking participants not only locally but around the area. Most outings have been wait-listed…

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