Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have. — Margaret Mead
This quote is one of my favorites and could not be more on point than when being used to describe the efforts, passion, and projects of the LOW youth and volunteers involved in the Adaptive Watersports Foundation right here in our own Lake of the Woods. I honestly do not know if I am more impressed that this movement was initiated by a group of kids that could see beyond themselves to the difference that they could make in the lives of others or by the dedication and commitment that so many additional volunteers have shown by so willingly giving of their time (I am talking the year round, every day, late into the night, self-sacrificing kind of time) to keep the equipment in tip-top shape and safe for all, to rehab boats donated to raise the needed funds and the hours of work on additional fundraisers and of course, the many hours of training and preparation needed for events such as these to even happen.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Adaptive Watersports Foundation here in Lake of the Woods let me give you the Cliff Notes version. Lake of the Woods Adaptive Watersports grew from the energies and passions of the local Waterski team. When they were witness to the difference that enabling the handicapped, or as they refer to them, the differently abled, to enjoy a day on the lake doing something they thought they would never be able to do, totally out of their current comfort zone and not only conquering that but falling in love with watersports as they themselves had – they were hooked and hooked hard. It is now their mission “to bring water-sports to differently-abled Veterans, children, and other individuals who would not otherwise have the opportunity.”
What do the participating Wounded Warriors and differently abled children and individuals get out of it? I am sure we will never know the full impact. Perhaps it is regaining some of the previous athleticism and adventure they had experienced in life. Perhaps it is facing the fear down and doing it anyway just to prove to themselves they can. Perhaps it is the triumph of spirit that occurs as they fly across the water as free as a bird (or fish?). Or, perhaps, it is just a day with their family, enjoying the summer and just not feeling different at all. Whatever it is that they do get out of the watersports events you can bet that it lasts longer than just that one day on the lake. It will affect them and those who love them for a lifetime. For some, it will be life changing.
Underscoring the point that our own LOW youth initiated this movement makes us all proud. Now the question, the real question, is “How can you get behind them and support their efforts and their mission to reach out and change the lives of the differently-abled? Of course, a donation is always welcome and they are a 501c3 so it is tax deductible. The equipment for the wounded warriors and differently-abled is expensive to have custom designed and kept in safe condition. But equally importantly, you can give your support. Make every effort to attend upcoming watersports events. Take your lawn chairs, picnic lunches, and noisemakers and let those challenging the water that day hear you cheering, see your support, feel your caring. Let them know by your presence that they matter and that you are behind them 100% . . . because what goal could not be accomplished if you knew the world was behind you and what triumph is not sweeter than when shared with others. Please mark these on your calendar and plan to attend these events –
– August 12th, 2017 – 3rd Annual Children’s Event – Clubhouse Point at Lake of the Woods. Join us for an amazing day of fun, smiles, and most importantly, waterskiing! We’re excited to host our third annual children’s event and we hope you can be there! There will be lawn games, face painting, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, tubing, pontoon riding, and adaptive waterskiing! Feel free to bring friends and family! All activities except adaptive waterskiing are open to everyone. Adaptive waterskiing is limited to participants only. There will be lunch provided free of charge. We hope to see you there!
To learn more about The LOW Adaptive Watersports Foundation please follow this link –
