Disabled veterans water ski, use adaptive sports to ‘keep living life’
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
COVENTRY, RI – It’s not about what they can’t do, it’s about what they can do.
Nearly 50 disabled U.S. veterans took to the waters of Johnson’s Pond in Coventry, Wednesday, doing a variety of water sports ranging from tubing to water skiing.
Paul Raiche was one of those participating. He is a wheelchair–bound U.S. vet, injured in a skiing accident. He told ABC6 News after a day on the water, that he had no intention of giving up on life.
"I never expected to be able to get up and do something like that," Raiche said.
The retired servicemen and women traveled from all across New England to take part in an Adaptive Sports program, run by the Boston and Providence VA Healthcare system.
"I spent a long time disconnected from society,” explained Stephen Goss, a vet living with Multiple Sclerosis. “It’s very nice to be able to get back in, and be able to meet people again."
All of the sporting equipment was made specially to fit their needs.
"If you stop moving, you’re done. This is a way to keep moving,” said Goss.
But the week-long program is not just about overcoming disabilities and staying active. The group gets a chance to relate and bond with one another, forming friendships that carry far beyond the program.
"I can’t explain how fantastic it is to just get out there and do this king of stuff. To get out and be active and just enjoy stuff with people like this,” Goss added.
Thursday the group is scheduled to choose between deep sea fishing or having a beach day. They have a closing ceremony at Twelve Acres in Smithfield, starting at 5:30pm.
