The Rewarding Experience of Volunteering at the Adaptive Sports Center
“If you’re thinking about becoming a volunteer, don’t stress too much,” says Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) volunteer Ian Clem. “So much of what we do is simply being a supportive presence. You don’t need to be highly skilled or technically knowledgeable. At the end of the day, being here for people is what matters most. Just show up.”
Volunteers are the backbone of the ASC, playing a crucial role in ensuring each lesson is unique, organized, and impactful for participants. More than just offering assistance, volunteering provides an opportunity to connect with others, support the community, and find joy in the process.
“It feels good to help people get out there,” one volunteer shared. “Seeing their progress and the pure enjoyment they experience is incredibly rewarding.” Many ASC volunteers describe their experience as inspiring, as they witness individuals grow, conquer fears, and redefine their independence. Volunteer Sophie Morpurgo, in her first season at the ASC, expressed, “It makes me so happy to see everyone out there shredding and sharing the mountain.” Longtime volunteer Caroline Claine, who has been with the ASC for four years, added, “If I have a bad day and spend time at Adaptive, it’s no longer a bad day.”
ASC volunteers come from all walks of life, ranging from college students to those who have been involved with adaptive sports since the 1990s. Mark Lucas, a dedicated volunteer of seven years, reflected, “There's amazing people, smart people, capable people, fun people, funny people, and it just makes sense to hang out with those kinds of people.”
In a world that often feels chaotic, the ASC offers a space to reconnect with the present moment, find purpose, and spread joy to others. For Ian Clem, volunteering was a way to return to service after shifting into a sales career. “I missed truly serving people in an empathetic way,” he said. “Volunteering at ASC allows me to do that while also getting out on the mountain, which we’re all doing anyway.” At the ASC, volunteering is more than just giving your time—it’s about building connections, fostering growth, and making a lasting impact on the lives of participants and volunteers alike.
