More than 30 athletes with physical disabilities came together at Big SNOW American Dream for the Challenged Athletes Foundation Northeast Inclusive Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Clinic fueled by Toyota. For many, it was a first step back onto the snow. For others, it was a continuation of a lifelong relationship with sport. For everyone in the building, it was a reminder that access changes what is possible.

From early morning turns on the snow to one-on-one coaching and shared moments of learning, the clinic created space for athletes of all experience levels to move, try, and belong in a fully inclusive winter sports environment.

A Place to Learn, Push, and Ski Together

Athletes had the opportunity to ski and ride alongside expert adaptive instructors and elite athletes, including Paralympic gold medalist and Team Toyota athlete Andrew Kurka, who spent the morning coaching participants and sharing his own experiences in the sport.

Throughout the clinic, athletes tested adaptive equipment, refined technique, and supported one another on the slopes. Families and caregivers looked on as participants navigated terrain, built skills, and experienced winter sport in a way that felt welcoming and attainable. Thank you to 100% for providing all participants with awesome snow goggles for the day and to Stride Adaptive and the Adaptive Sports Program at Mountain Creek, who both provided adaptive equipment and coaches.

Toyota’s continued support of CAF reflects a shared belief in mobility as a gateway to opportunity. Through its Mobility for All vision, Toyota is committed to helping create inclusive and accessible solutions that allow more people to move through the world on their own terms, a commitment deeply aligned with CAF’s mission.

Four Athletes, Four Grants, and What Comes Next

A powerful moment of the morning came as four athletes were surprised with adaptive equipment grants that will expand their access to skiing long after the clinic.

• Daniel of Greenfield, New Hampshire, who has participated in adaptive sports for more than 35 years and lives with a limb deficiency, received a monoski that will allow him to ski with greater safety and consistency.
• John of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy and has engineered his own adaptive equipment to stay active, received a bi ski to help ensure continued access to outdoor adventure.
• Keara of Windham, Maine, developed a neurological condition affecting muscle power. After years of volunteering in adaptive sports, Keara received a Hydra monoski to help her remain active, ski with family, and support other athletes through mentorship.
• Laighton of Greenland, New Hampshire, a 15-year-old athlete with impaired muscle power, received a sit ski that will allow her to ski more regularly alongside friends and family.

Each grant represents more than equipment. It represents consistency, community, and the ability to keep choosing sport.

More Than a Day on Snow

The Northeast Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Clinic was not just about one morning at Big SNOW. It was about opening doors, building momentum, and reminding athletes that they are seen, supported, and part of a much larger community.

CAF’s commitment to access extended beyond the snow that same weekend. The evening before, CAF athletes had the opportunity to surf at Skudin Surf right around the corner from Big SNOW inside American Dream Mall. 

Coached by three‑time World Champion Para Surfer and CAF Ambassador Liv Stone, and supported by instructors from Surf For All, athletes spent the morning building skills, learning new techniques, and sharing the experience together in the waves. For many, it was an introduction to adaptive surfing. For all, it was another reminder that sport becomes possible when access is present.

Across snow and surf, the weekend reflected CAF’s belief that opportunity should meet athletes wherever they are, and that community is built when people move, learn, and experience sport together.