by Emily Varvir, community journalist
HARDWICK – Now, in collaboration with the Hardwick Recreation Committee and the Hardwick Trails Committee, Adaptive Sports Partners will be offering adaptive bike opportunities on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) in Hardwick on five different occasions throughout June, July, and August.
The organization will have a booth at Atkins Field during SpringFest with staff
and volunteers on hand to answer any questions, and with a variety of two-wheeled bicycles, three-wheeled recumbents, adaptive children’s bikes and handcycles, tandems, and an e-trike to try out.
With a mission to empower individuals with disabilities by building community, confidence, and skills through sport, recreation, and adventure, Adaptive Sports Partners will be a part of SpringFest 2023 and the broader recreational landscape of Hardwick this summer. A nonprofit organization based in Franconia, N.H., Adaptive Sports Partners aids in reducing barriers and enabling individuals with differences in physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and/or behavioral functioning to experience and thrive through recreation in the great outdoors. Over the last year, Adaptive Sports Partners expanded into the NEK by offering adaptive ski lessons at Burke Mountain and Jay Peak, and adaptive swim lessons at St. Johnsbury Academy.
Additional information for participants and volunteers can be found on the Adaptive Sports Partners website under the “Get Involved” tab, adaptivesportspartners.org. No prior experience riding an adaptive bike or volunteering with adaptive sports or individuals with disabilities is needed
[Emily Varvir is vice-chair of the Hardwick Recreation Committee.]
