NEWS
Injured Vets Explore Three Mountain Lakes in ASF’s WIM Kayaking Event
The next event, WIM Multi-Sport, is scheduled for June 23-25 and will give veterans an opportunity to participate in several activities, including cycling and kayaking.
WINDHAM — The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) wrapped up its Warriors in Motion® (WIM) kayaking event Thursday afternoon after three days of paddling on three local lakes with injured veterans.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Maria Carrion participated in her first WIM event and said she enjoyed the experience.
“The camaraderie between all the veterans from different generations was great,” Carrion said. “The staff and volunteers took such good care of us. They kept an eye on us, made sure we were safe and made us feel comfortable. It’s such a warm place.”
The ASF welcomed eight veterans to the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center on Tuesday afternoon. Participants met ASF staff and volunteers and got to know one another over lunch before heading to CD Lane Park in Maplecrest for their first kayaking session.
After selecting their vessels and reviewing paddling safety procedures, the group spent about two hours on the water enjoying sunny conditions.
On Wednesday, participants traveled to North-South Lake for a full day of kayaking. The veterans explored the interconnected lakes during morning and afternoon paddling sessions, with a lunch break at the pavilion between outings.
That evening, veterans returned to the ASF lodge for dinner prepared by the ASF Kitchen Crew, a group of volunteers who support the organization’s winter and summer programs. The meal featured Bolognese, salads and side dishes.
The final paddling session took place Thursday at Colgate Lake in Jewett. Veterans and volunteers spent the morning on the water before returning to the ASF lodge for lunch and departure.
“This program is very important to disabled veterans,” Carrion said. “With my injuries and PTSD, I tend to isolate myself, so it was really nice to come here and participate. The sports at ASF adapt to your injuries, and I think this program can help so many veterans. I really enjoyed my time here.”
The kayaking event was the third of six WIM programs ASF is hosting this summer. The next event, WIM Multi-Sport, is scheduled for June 23-25 and will give veterans an opportunity to participate in several activities, including cycling and kayaking.