Fall 2019 - Inside Outdoor Magazine

Inside Outdoor | FALL 2019 19 disability to be seen representing outdoor brands the more opportuni- ties we will have to get those that are stuck in their houses out on the trails and water, enjoying the benefits of the great outdoors.” Retailers can support the adaptive community in some additional ways, such as offering access to adaptive equipment and accessories whenever possible, and by working with local groups and nonprofits to host events, raise money and drive awareness. Common Ground, for instance, is cur- rently seeking equipment donors and sponsors for a number of local events. Just recently, too, leading spe- cialty outdoor retailer Backcountry announced a noteworthy partnership with the National Ability Center (NAC), a nonprofit that enables outdoor rec- reation, education and skill building for participants of all abilities. “This partnership with Backcoun- try is incredibly monumental for the National Ability Center,” stated Kevin Stickelman, CEO of the NAC. “It pairs our adaptive recreation and adventure programs with the premier providers of outdoor equipment. Our combined forces will allow us to continue to run world-class experiences for all our guests and participants while also building a broader awareness around adaptive sports and athletes.” Backcountry is currently planning a series of collaborations and fundrais- ers, as well as gear donations, to ben- efit the NAC. In addition, the company is an official outfitter for NAC guides and NAC winter athletes. In another example, on September 7, the Kelly Brush foundation held its 14th annual Kelly Brush Ride spon- sored by VBT Bicycling Vacations – an event that raised more than $711,000 to help purchase adaptive equipment for people with spinal cord injuries. The event, which took place at Mid- dlebury College in Vermont, included a morning golf tournament, a 50-mile ride, and an afternoon barbeque which drew more than 1,000 participants. Lo- cal favorites Switchback Brewery and Fire & Ice participated as well. The Kelly Brush Group distributed funding to its grant recipients in October. m More fun at the 2019 Kelly Brush Foundation Ride; courtesy Caleb Kenna Photography