New England Disabled Sports recently invested in equipment for a variety of sports including hiking, camping, biathlon and cycling. The recently acquired pieces have added a whole new realm to our students’ sporting possibilities and year- round adventures. Some of the new additions to our fleet can be seen on our website www.nedisabledsports.org/summer/equipmentsummer.

For our students who are interested in hiking or camping, we have purchased two Terra Trek wheelchairs that are capable of handling rough and variable terrain in a variety of situations. They have large 10 inch front casters and 26 inch mountain bike knobby tires to help conquer the many trail opportunities here in the White Mountains. Many students have already taken advantage of these and explored from the top of Loon to enjoying an overnight expedition into the National Forest. These chairs even competed in a first of its kind wheelchair biathlon, which involves pushing an off road course and riflery. There seems to be no end to what uses they may have for a variety of individuals.

There are also many new additions to our cycling inventory this year, including a Jr. Top End hand cycle, a Top End Force G hand cycle, a Hase Ketweissel three wheel recumbent, and a Lamborghini Viaggio road bike tandem. The hand cycles have been very popular so far this season and have serviced disabilities ranging from post polio, spinal cord injuries and amputees. The number of reservations for these bikes has been growing with the popularity of our weekly cycling rides. The Hase Ketweissel’s ability to be used as a tandem or trailer for a student with the inability to pedal has made these bikes the most versatile in our bike corral. It has seen people with traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, strokes and amputees. With the introduction of these bikes, almost anyone can enjoy the sport of cycling. Last but not least is the Lamborghini road tandem bike that has enabled many of our students with cognitive and visual impairments the ability to experience the wind in their face and the freedom of many of our wonderful bike paths in the area.

New England Disabled Sports with its commitment to yearround sporting opportunities has raised the bar once again with an investment towards fun experiences and independence. Come visit us and experience what you never dreamed possible.