Each quarter, we choose an organization that is near and dear to our hearts as our Pledge 1% recipient. The Pledge 1% movement challenges companies to donate 1% of their revenue, product, or employee time (or all three) to support local nonprofit organizations. This fall quarter, we are excited to announce Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico as our Pledge 1% recipient.
“It's important to us that we give back to the world that supports us. Pledge 1% makes it easy to honor that commitment by making sure that we are always donating to charitable causes, whether a little or a lot, in good times and bad.” – Tavis Malcolm, Founder of Morrison Outdoors
This amazing organization seeks to enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities throughout New Mexico through recreation. They offer various adaptive sports year-round including skiing, snowboarding, watersports, river rafting, archery, rock climbing, and more. We spoke with Camille, the Executive Director of Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico, to learn more about all this organization has to offer. Here’s what she shared with us:
What is Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico and What is Your Mission?
The mission of Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico (ASPNM) is to enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities through recreational experiences in New Mexico. With activities ranging from adaptive skiing and snowboarding to rock climbing, waterskiing, archery, sailing, rafting, paddleboarding, and more, ASPNM gives those living with disabilities year-round opportunities to stay active and healthy, while building a community of support and friendship.
ASPNM’s highly experienced staff is supported by a committed team of more than 250 volunteers throughout the state. Each year, ASPNM serves 250+ individuals with disabilities and provides over 1,000 adaptive lessons and recreation experiences through its many programs.
Why is it Important to Get Youth, Adults, and Families of All Abilities into Nature?
Since its founding in 1985, ASPNM has placed a special emphasis on accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, especially in the natural landscapes that abound throughout the state. ASPNM is committed to encouraging our athletes to develop and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle while developing new skills and most importantly, having fun in the beautiful New Mexico outdoors.
While our staff and volunteers tailor each experience to the needs of a given athlete, ASPNM events are organized in a way that creates a community where persons with disabilities feel empowered, accepted, and supported. Beyond the physical health benefits afforded by ASPNM’s programs, many of our participants report an increased sense of self-confidence and independence that permeates into their lives outside of ASPNM.
Through ASPNM, our participants develop a large circle of support that includes our committed volunteers, fellow participants and their families, and the other agencies with whom ASPNM partners. ASPNM works with individuals with a variety of disabilities which include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, traumatic brain injury, Down syndrome, visual and hearing impairments, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and neurological conditions. We are inclusive in terms of age, as well - our youngest participant is 6 and our eldest is 89-years-young!
What Programs, Events, or Resources Do You Offer for the Community?
We offer a variety of programs, from multi-week ski programs at Ski Santa Fe and Pajarito, rafting the Rio Grande, rock climbing at Stone Age Gym in Albuquerque, watersports camps at Ute Lake and Elephant Butte Lake, and more!
Is There Anything Else You Would Like to Share?
ASPNM depends on the generosity of the community to support its mission. Our volunteers and supporters make a significant impact, helping us deliver high-quality experiences to our participants and reach more individuals each year. To remove barriers to participation, all programs are free for disabled veterans, and scholarships are available to any other participants upon request.
In support of this incredible organization, we are directing a portion of every sale made in October, November, and December to help Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico provide excellent programs and opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities in New Mexico.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, and we are proud to support organizations that share this mindset! Check out the Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico website for more information on upcoming programs and events along with ways you can help further support their cause.
Photos Courtesy of Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico
