Oregon Adaptive Sports provides life-changing outdoor recreation for individuals with disabilities throughout Central Oregon. The Bend-based non-profit is among the country’s premiere adaptive sports organizations offering instruction and of state-of-the art equipment for a range of year-round sports programs. They are 2021 Cycle Oregon Fund Community Grant Recipient.

On a perfect Wednesday evening, the team at Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS) hosted their 18th Community Cycling Event of the year. Financial support from the Cycle Oregon Fund allows the OAS to provide these experiences at no cost to athletes with adaptive needs who wish to cycle. What made this particular evening special was the debut of a new acquisition for the program, a Duet wheelchair bicycle from Mobility & Access, Inc. This unique, high-quality bike filled a spot within the OAS line-up that had been missing. Individuals who benefit from more substantial assistance now have access to riding and inclusion with their families and other OAS riders. (OAS was able to purchase the Duet thanks to funding from The Marie Lamfrom Foundation and the Swigert Foundation.)

OAS has hosted over 150 free Community Cycling Experiences including many for first time adaptive cyclists. Earlier this year we told the story of an OAS athlete, Michael, who attended a cycling clinic as a first-timer and has now gone on to ride two Cycle Oregon Classics and summit McKenzie Pass. In a recent Facebook post OAS added, “These opportunities would not exist without the generosity of our partners who provide the critical funds to create this access, thank you!! “

We look forward to more rides with OAS and introducing more adaptive athletes to cycling. You can learn more about what they do and sign up to volunteer here.