Shasta Disabled Sports USA

Shasta Disabled Sports USA (SDS) provides year-round recreational outdoor opportunities for people with special needs of all ages and challenges. We formed our volunteer-powered organization in 2005 and have hosted year-round outdoor events each year since then, free of charge, to disabled people, their caregivers and family members. Our services benefit both the physical and emotional needs of disabled participants by expanding their mobility, social interactions and confidence. It is evident from our work that many of our participants are deprived (sometimes due to economic as well as other challenges) from enjoying the recreational experiences that others often take for granted in the beautiful area we live in.SDS offers a variety of recreation opportunities for disabled kids and adults, and serves those who are challenged with a wide range of physical, cognitive and emotional needs. We offer both a summer and winter event program that is free of charge to all participants.SDS is a volunteer-driven organization (meaning there is no paid staff), and is extremely modest financially. We have obtained specialized ski equipment from several grants and contributions, and most of the other equipment we use (such as rafts, camping equipment, etc.) is loaned to us as needed. However, we do have a variety of operational expenses amounting to about $6,000 a year. We encourage membership donations from our participants, but we do not charge for our services. The burden of having to pay for event fees would exclude many of our participants and, as an organization, SDS is committed to maintaining a no-charge policy.