#USA #adaptive sports #Paralyzed Veterans #Outdoor Experience #Carrabassett Valley

Paralyzed Veterans of America Kicks Off Outdoor Adventure Program

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) recently concluded the initial stop of its 2026 Outdoor Recreation Experience in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, providing a valuable opportunity for disabled veterans to engage in adaptive sports. This event marks a significant moment as PVA celebrates its 80th anniversary while offering veterans a chance to experience the wonders of the outdoors, alongside their caregivers.

The program, which is the first of three stops across the United States, brought together seven veterans for a unique experience of adaptive alpine and Nordic skiing. This initiative, made possible through partnerships with the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center (AEOC) and Adidas, not only provided essential equipment for these activities but also high-performance winter apparel to keep participants comfortable.

Fabio Villarroel, PVA's Senior Director of Sports and Recreation, emphasized the importance of this venture, stating, “With our 80th anniversary now well underway, we couldn't think of a better program or a better place to kick off our 2026 Outdoor Recreation Experience program.” Villarroel highlighted the progress made in adaptive sports and expressed excitement for what lies ahead.

The Outdoor Recreation Experience program will continue throughout the summer, focusing on both physical and mental health, skill development, and community building across various regions. Upcoming activities include whitewater rafting, off-road cycling, kayaking, horseback riding, and yoga sessions. Notably, caregivers of veterans will also have the opportunity to participate in the Tetons experience scheduled for June 22-26, 2026.

Future Tour Locations

• - Teton, Wyoming: June 22 - 26, 2026
• - Breckenridge, Colorado: August 24 - 28, 2026
• - Breckenridge, Colorado: August 31 - September 4, 2026

Local partners, including the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, also emphasized the initiative's positive impact on the participating veterans. Kayla Lee, Director at AEOC, remarked on the importance of inclusivity in outdoor recreation, stating, “Programs like PVA's Outdoor Adventure reflect AOEC's commitment to enhancing quality of life through inclusive outdoor recreation.” Thanks to collaboration with PVA and organizations such as Veterans Adaptive Sports Training (V.A.S.T) and Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation, veterans were able to cultivate connections, learn new skills, and reap the many benefits of time spent outdoors.

For those interested in learning more about the PVA's Sports and Recreation Department or the 2026 Outdoor Experience Tour, further information can be found at PVA.org/Sports/OutdoorRecreation.

About PVA

Paralyzed Veterans of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for veterans living with spinal cord injuries or diseases. Focused on ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned, PVA closely monitors care within VA spinal cord injury units and funds critical research aimed at improving their habits and quality of life. They also provide services ranging from career development and public accessibility training to health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports. With over 70 offices and 33 chapters across the United States, PVA is devoted to serving veterans and their families wholeheartedly.

For additional inquiries, contact Signi Hescock at (802) 349-3845 or via email at [email protected]