Press Releases

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation

In a Nutshell:
Founded in 1982
Services are free of charge
400 volunteers
2012 MASR Ski-A-Thon: March 24, 2012
MASR Ski-A-Thon raised $318,000 in 2011

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation, formerly called Maine Handicapped Skiing, was founded at Sunday River in 1982 as a nonprofit provider of adaptive skiing and riding lessons, and has since grown to become one of the largest year-round adaptive recreation programs in the nation. The organization’s mission is to serve children and adults with permanent physical disabilities. All Maine Adaptive programs are free of charge for participants, and fundraising from the Ski-A-Thon helps purchase equipment and cover operating expenses that exceed $500,000 annually. In 2011, the Ski-A-Thon raised over $287,000.

This event is the largest fundraiser for Maine Adaptive's year-round adaptive recreation programs at Sunday River and throughout Maine. Teams of five spend the weeks and months leading up to the Ski-A-Thon soliciting pledges and raising money for Maine Adaptive. Then, everyone gathers for a day filled with spring skiing and riding, meals, entertainment, and countless activities throughout the resort.

Teams that raise over $1,000 for Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation receive lift tickets, meals, and free participation in all Ski-A-Thon events and activities for the day, as well as other gifts of appreciation for their efforts. Many teams and individuals compete against one another for additional fundraising prizes and honors. These groups include teams representing the various homeowner associations competing for the Condo Cup and local businesses competing for their own cup. Teams are welcome to register and join any time before the event date, and those unable to participate in person can do so virtually through Maine Adaptive's online fundraising resources.

This year’s Ski-A-Thon on March 24, 2012, was again based out of the Grand Summit Resort Hotel ballroom and featured a fun race on Monday Mourning and an obstacle course on Moonstruck, as well as exciting raffles, contests, and games throughout the resort and at the Sunday River Outdoor Center. New this year, Ski-A-Thon participants explored the mountain on a specially designed “Find your Happy Place” scavenger hunt, complete with prizes, including an Old Town kayak. MASR has also added a costume contest.

It is never too late to participate in the Ski-A-Thon and support Maine Adapative Sports & Recreation. Five-person teams can be added up until the day of the event, and individuals can be placed with within existing teams. Visit the Ski-A-Thon website or call Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation at 207-824-2440 to register or learn more.