WE ARE COLORADO’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE PROVIDER OF ADAPTIVE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES. WE OFFER MORE PROGRAMS, IN MORE PLACES, IN MORE WAYS THAT CHANGE LIVES.
The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) is a world leader in creating and providing adaptive outdoor recreation experiences. As one of the largest and most comprehensive providers of adaptive experiences, we use the power of innovation, recreation and Colorado’s great outdoors to improve access, opportunities and possibilities for people living with disabilities.
Our exhilarating adaptive outdoor experiences help participants make the very most of their passion, their talents and their aspirations. They discover a renewed sense of confidence, reignite the pure joy of play, and find motivation to try new things, meet new people and believe in their own abilities. With industry-leading adaptive equipment, renowned coaches, instructors and volunteers and unmatched mountain and metro programs, we change the perceptions of athletes of all levels and help them, and the world, #RethinkAbility.
Testimonials
"Today was my first time ever being in the snow on the slopes. It was so exhilarating. Snow sports seemed impossible since my injury. Getting on a ski bike was thrilling and made me feel more independent. My instructor was a female Veteran and I was so grateful to have her teaching me especially since this was my first time. I was much more comfortable with her and enjoyed the camaraderie with another veteran. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had through the NSCD." - Demecia, US Army Iraq Combat Veteran
"I was fortunate to be a first-time participant in the NSCD skiing program last winter. I have had multiple sclerosis for 22 years. Over 15 years ago, I stopped skiing-I fell more often and could not get up due to the weakness in my legs. Being able to ski again was a very moving experience. I have always loved doing active things outdoors, and believing I was unable to ski because of MS was one of the things I missed the most…so being able to ski again in such a beautiful place literally brought tears to my eyes. Quite honestly, now that 4 months have passed, I have found that I want to push myself even more at physical activities. If there are things I love to do, I am going to see if there is a way that I CAN do them, and seek them out more. I feel like I CAN do this, and didn't think that way before." - Betsy
"Sometimes society can bring you down even with a simple act of just breathing...today's ski biking helped me get out and remind me there's a reason to live and gives me hope for tomorrow." - Joel, US Army Veteran
"This is Max's first year learning how to ride horses. From the beginning of his first lesson, he could not stop smiling. He talks about the horses all week. In addition, he talks about the trainers and the volunteers (who are incredible). He has learned the words trot, walk on and whoa!! He loves to trot. As a mother, I had no idea the program would work on so many different levels of Max's needs, like core work, letter recognition, manners, compassion, boundaries and focus. That's just to name a few. I can't wait until Fridays come and I can finally tell Max that yes, this is the day he gets to ride. To say the least, I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to offer this to my son." - Max's Mom
"Following my injury from a ski racing accident, NSCD gave me the opportunity to get back on the mountain. Learning to sit-ski with NSCD allowed me to enjoy the outdoors again and set the stage for my career as a three time Paralympic athlete. More importantly, my experience with NSCD empowered me to broaden my perceptions of what was possible for people with SCI. The self-assurance and joy I get from sit-skiing has enabled me to more confidently confront and overcome challenges that seem formidable. NSCD has been pivotal to my growth and success as a person and a professional." - Nick
"The tandem double bindings jump ski that is used for Nordic skiing is nothing short of a miracle because our athlete has trouble walking. His feet face outward when walking... but not in the binding. It keeps his legs strong and keeps him upright." - Anonymous Parent
"When I do things like kayaking with NSCD I feel like a regular person doing regular things. NSCD helps me make new friends who understand my challenges and they help me succeed." - Mike