The Leaps of Faith Disabled Waterskiers Club hosted a successful Adaptive Water Sports Retreat for veterans September 20–22, at its lakeside location on Lake Zoar.

“We had an incredibly diverse, dynamic, and amazing group of veterans and members of the armed services of all ages from all walks of life join us from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, and Connecticut,” said Joel Zeisler, Leaps of Faith Disabled Skiers president. “We were honored to host this event, which marks our fifth major event in Sandy Hook specifically for wounded war veterans since 2009. “

Participants received ski instruction from beginner to advanced levels, while veterans and their families also had opportunities for wakeboarding, tubing, swimming, and fishing. The event began Friday with a five-mile river cruise. Saturday was dedicated to water sports and was topped off by a vintage Piper seaplane that took the veterans up for an individual flight with an open door cockpit.

Said attendee United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Yvonne Ivanov, “Leaps of Faith Disabled Skiers’ staff is exceptional and I would highly recommend this program to anyone trying to overcome a physical and/or psychological challenge. I had a great time and met a lot of good people.”

Leaps of Faith Disabled Skiers thanks the following sponsors for their support: Carminuccio’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts (Newtown), Candlewood East Marina, Disabled Sports USA, Warfighter Sports, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation.

Leaps of Faith Disabled Waterskiers Club is a nonprofit adaptive sports organization based in Sandy Hook, which runs adaptive water ski programs. Its activities have expanded to serve children, adults, and veterans with all types of disabilities and also include snow skiing and kayaking. Programs and instruction are free of charge to individuals with disabilities and veterans. For additional information, call 203-426-0666 or visit leapsoffaithwaterskiers.com.