FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Webster Water Ski Collective Awarded Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Grant through Move United to Empower Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries.

Webster, Massachusetts – September 28, 2023  – The Webster Water Ski Collective is thrilled to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Grant, administered through Move United.  This significant grant will enable the collective to expand its mission of providing water skiing opportunities to adults and children with spinal cord injuries, creating a transformative experience that promotes physical activity, community engagement, and empowerment.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation is renowned for its commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Their mission aligns perfectly with the Webster Water Ski Collective’s dedication to breaking barriers and offering adaptive water skiing experiences that foster independence and resilience. With this generous grant, the collective will be able to further enhance its programs and make water skiing accessible to even more people facing spinal cord injuries.

“This grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation is a game-changer for us,” said Ryan DesRoches, Director of Adaptive Skiing at the Webster Water Ski Collective. “It will enable us to expand our outreach efforts, acquire specialized adaptive equipment, and provide additional training for our dedicated volunteers. Ultimately, it means we can offer life-changing experiences to more individuals and families in our community who are living with spinal cord injuries.”

The Webster Water Ski Collective’s programs not only provide a thrilling recreational experience but also offer a sense of freedom and achievement for participants. Water skiing has been proven to have numerous physical and psychological benefits, including improved muscle strength, increased self-confidence, and a greater sense of inclusion.

The collective’s adaptive water skiing programs cater to people of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their level of mobility, can enjoy the excitement of gliding across the water. By receiving the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Grant, the collective aims to build upon its track record of success and expand its reach to serve even more members of the spinal cord injury community.

A special adaptive water skiing event will be planned in Webster, Massachusetts in the summer of 2024 specifically for those with spinal cord injuries.      This will be one of many adaptive water skiing events that the Webster Water Ski Collective will host throughout central Massachusetts with the goal of bringing water skiing and water sports to people of all ages and abilities.    

About the Webster Water Ski Collective:
The Webster Water Ski Collective is a community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting water skiing, fostering inclusivity, and creating memorable experiences on the water. Through its various programs and initiatives, the collective aims to share the joy of water skiing with individuals of all abilities while preserving the natural beauty of Central Massachusetts’ waterways.
https://WebsterWaterSki.org

About the Craig H Neilsen Foundation:
Inspired by our Founder, Craig H. Neilsen, the Foundation is committed to changing the world for those living with spinal cord injuries and we are driven by our Vision, Mission and Values. Our vision is a statement of what is possible, the picture of the future we want to create. Our mission speaks to our primary purpose. And our values provide the lens for decision-making and define how we will achieve our mission. 
https://chnfoundation.org/

About Move United:  
Since 1956, Move United has been redefining disability by providing year-round sports and recreation opportunities to people with a wide range of disabilities offering more than 70 different adaptive sports. Through our national network of more than 200 community Member Organizations, Move United serves over 100,000 individuals with disabilities of all ages each year.  Move United uses the power of sport to push what’s possible for people with disabilities, confronting ignorance, fueling conversation, and inciting action that leads us to a world where everyone’s included.
https://moveunitedsport.org/

Media Contact:
Ryan DesRoches
Email:  WebsterWaterSki@Gmail.com
Phone: (774) 495-0165