ERIC DOUGLAS DETTENRIEDER MEMORIAL FUND

EDD Adaptive Sports works to remove barriers to sports/recreation and create opportunities to play. Physical activity is good for one's physical and mental health. Participating in EDD Adaptive Sports programs gives athletes a chance to interact with peers, college athletes and volunteers. Our programs build community among individuals with disabilities and with the community at large.

We aim to share the joy of sports with individuals with disabilities. Our short-term goals are to provide positive sports experiences s and to encourage handi-capable individuals to stay active. Long term, our goals are for people with disabilities to build confidence, to choose healthy activities and to believe that they can do anything to which they set their mind. Participation in sports also helps to meet an individual’s psychological needs for belonging and community, and reduce isolation and depression.

We offer a variety of sports and recreation programs throughout the year including team sports like baseball, basketball and soccer; and life-long sports like biking, pickleball and yoga. We aim for a 1:1 volunteer to participant ratio, so that activities can be adapted to each participant's abilities. We coach volunteers to adapt activities as needed (i.e. use a larger ball, stand closer together, etc.) and to demonstrate each skill as they give instruction. We work to make each program fun, in the hopes that we will inspire participants to come back and play again. We celebrate accomplishments large and small on the field with cheers and high-fives, and we recognize every participant with a medal at the end of the program. We offer multiple sessions of pickleball, rowing and yoga during the year, so that participants can build skills from one session to the next and see improvement over time.

We have a strong track record of success creating sports opportunities. We have strong relationships with local organizations, and collaborate regularly with Otsego Area Rowing, Athelas Therapeutic Riding, Adaptive Sports Foundation, Oneonta Outlaws, BOCES, Pathfinder Village and Springbrook. Working together, we are able to amplify our impact and reach more participants. We partner with college athletic teams and programs in order to recruit skilled volunteers and coaches (Hartwick College, SUNY Delhi, Castleton University and St. Michael's College). The volunteer experience broadens the horizons for many college students and gives them hands-on experience with adaptive sports. Our Board members and volunteers give generously of their time to implement programs and fundraising events. EDD Adaptive Sports has a balanced fundraising stream with support from individuals, foundations, businesses and special events.

We have provided 4,500 opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to play sports. We provide unduplicated service in 3 geographic locations: Central New York, Castleton, Vermont and the greater Burlington area of Vermont.
Our skiing program has helped 2 skiers achieve their dream of competing at the Paralympic Games, and many others to compete nationally.
We have helped countless youth discover their love for sports and make friends along the way.
“This program is excellent for my children. It made them feel so good about themselves."
“We’ve tried to have Patrick join a team and it hasn’t worked. That’s why your programs are so important to our family.”
We have provided encouragement and respite for parents of children with disabilities. Parents know that their child will receive the focus and full attention their volunteer buddy.