This month the CFOC Nonprofit Spotlight features EDD Adaptive Sports, which provides exciting programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Offering year-round sports programming for children and adults with disabilities, EDD Adaptive Sports is active in Cooperstown, Delhi, and Oneonta. Created in memory of Eric D. Dettenrieder (Oneonta High School class of 1991) to share his love of sports with others, EDD Adaptive Sports has a 25-year record of success, celebrating the joy of playing sports together.

EDD Adaptive Sports partners with many local institutions and organizations, such as SUNY- Delhi, SUNY-Oneonta, Athelas Therapeutic Riding, and Otsego Area Rowing, to offer unique, high-quality programs that often serve as an entry point to sports. EDDAS is a regional leader in adaptive sports and a chapter of Move United, the national leader in community adaptive sports.

Last summer, the Community Foundation of Otsego County awarded EDDAS a grant to support their community-based adaptive sports programs. “The grant award from the Community Foundation supported pickleball, rowing, golf, hiking and yoga programs. These programs helped athletes to build skills, confidence, and connection,” according to Executive Director Gretchen Owens. “They also promote inclusion through sports.” As one grandparent noted about their grandchild, “This is a kid who never would have done rowing if it weren’t for EDD. I had never heard of rowing before, so it’s been a fun experience for both of us.”

These programs made a huge impact on those who participated. Said the parent of one EDD athlete: “Thanks again for having such an awesome program that gives my child the chance to experience some programs she might not have access to otherwise.” An adaptive physical educator from Springbrook added “EDD clinics are a great way to help the students at Springbrook learn to do a lifetime fitness exercise in the community with others.”

This summer, EDDAS will once again offer free adaptive sports programs. Six Saturday morning pickleball clinics will be offered in Neawha Park, Oneonta. Eight learn-to-row sessions, in partnership with Otsego Area Rowing, are planned in July and August at Brookwood Point on Otsego Lake. These Monday evening sessions are a chance to enjoy calm waters, learn skills and build confidence.

All of EDD Adaptive Sports programs give community members a chance to connect, building bridges between people with, and without, disabilities.

For further information on EDD Adaptive Sports, its programs and volunteer opportunities, visit them at www.eddfund.org.

Content provided by EDD Adaptive Sports.