▪To Participate

 ▪To Volunteer 

The Early Years

STRIDE was founded in 1986 when Mary Ellen Whitney began a research study in her school where she was an adaptive physical education teacher. The study offered skiing to children with disabilities, to increase self-esteem.

Within the curriculum of her Adaptive Physical Education classes, Project STRIDE program was born, initially serving 11 children with varying handicapping conditions. It was successful and was requested as a model in many other Capital District agencies, as well as being replicated in other states as a curriculum unit model.

Growing Together

Project STRIDE grew over the next few years and enjoyed many successes. Ms. Whitney recognized the need for extracurricular recreation programs for not only her students, but for countless numbers of children in the Capital District who are often excluded from their school's sports and clubs because of their conditions. She believed this was an obligation of the educational community, yet sadly, not served.  Thus, the challenge was undertaken by STRIDE. 

In 1989, STRIDE became incorporated as a nonprofit organization.  In 1990, STRIDE added Camp STRIDE and the Challenge Division of Little League baseball.  In 1992 a bowling program was added, and in 1996, a sailing program was initiated on Lake George. By 2000, more sports programs were on the horizon.

STRIDE Today

STRIDE Adaptive Sports is now a multidisciplinary, educational organization specializing in therapeutic recreation-related services for individuals with disabilities spanning over many Northeastern states. STRIDE's primary efforts focus on directing and providing enriching, recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities or special needs. Programs are designed to provide successful, fun experiences in athletics or recreational endeavors, as a means to develop a positive self-image and confidence. STRIDE has received many achievement awards because of this work.

STRIDE is unique because our programs are cost-free for participants, and run on a volunteer basis.  Fund raising efforts are primarily to provide equipment, cover program expenses, and general management expenses.  STRIDE recognizes the financial challenges for families rearing a child with a disability.  STRIDE contributes to each child's growth by offering the resources and opportunities that are often considered too costly for families to provide.  We do not cater to any one type of disability.
 

Fun for All

Our programs are non-discriminating and we open our doors to everyone, and try to offer ourselves as a resource to experience the joy in recreation. We hope to continue our growth and would like to thank all those involved. Without the generous outpouring of efforts from sponsors, volunteers, contributors and families, none of this would be possible.