Kayak New Mexico 501(c)3 and Hotel Cascada
invite you to become a part of this life-changing fund-raising event
for people with physical or developmental disabilities!

"Come as you are!"
Adaptive Kayaking Open House at Hotel Cascada


 

In four short days, we aim to prove that at least 500 kids and adults with physical or developmental disabilities can overcome their own mental and physical barriers, helping to prove to themselves and others - that courage, confidence and character can be built one stroke at a time!

May 13, 2014 - 4:00 - 9:00pm
May 15, 2014 - 4:00 - 9:00pm
May 20, 2014 - 4:00 - 9:00pm
May 22, 2014 - 4:00 - 9:00pm

About Kayak New Mexico
Adaptive Kayaking builds courage, confidence and character for people with physical or developmental disabilities one stroke at a time!

Our motto "Come as you are!" encourages people of all ages and abilities to come kayaking with us! Whether the goals are physical, cognitive, social or emotional, adaptive kayaking can assist individuals on their journey to a superior quality of life!

By adapting the environment, equipment or teaching method, we are able to accommodate most people into our programs!

Upon completion of our formal adaptive kayaking programs, our students are invited to join the broader paddling community as a continuation of their learning, and ultimately helping our adaptive paddling students strive towards independence in an inclusive community environment.

Here are a few of our success stories:

"No one can tell our children are different when they are kayaking!"  Jeanette B., Albuquerque, NM

"Because of his disability, there are very few activities that Kevin can participate in and feel successful in.  He has motor dyspraxia and ideation apraxia, which in laymen terms means he has difficulty planning and executing motor movements.  It usually requires hand-over-hand for Kevin to learn a new motor pattern. So Kevin is more successful with an activity that uses the same motor pattern over and over again.  That is one reason kayaking had been suggested to me.  I think that kayaking would be an activity that Kevin would really enjoy. He often looks out over our fence as if wishing he could go out into the world and experience things like everyone else.  You gave him the opportunity to do that on Saturday.  I can't thank you enough!"  Pat P., Albuquerque, NM

Corporate Sponsors and Private Donors Needed!

8 Compelling Reasons to Help Grow Our Program:

1. We help kids with physical or developmental disabilities cope with anxiety, depression, anger and isolation. We teach them that their ABILITIES are unique, and their identity is not tied to their disability.
2. We help kids with cancer over come fear!  Overcoming fear is one of the first steps to fighting and winning the battle against cancer.
3. By taking kids out of wheelchairs, and putting them into kayaks, we can take them places roads, trails and wheelchairs don't go!
4. We help kids with developmental disabilities develop a successful "Can-do" attitude!
5. We help kids with Autism and other developmental disabilities learn problem solving and motor planning skills, balance and agility, eye/hand coordination and situational awareness, as well as improved vocalization, social skills and team-work
6. We help kids with Muscular dystrophy and Down syndrome develop muscle tone
7. We help kids with disabilities strive towards independence! Many kids associate kayaking with "driving" their own vehicle.
8. We improve the QUALITY OF LIFE for kids and adults with disabilities, one stroke at a time!

Kayak New Mexico 501(c)3 is seeking corporate sponsors and private donors to help us offset the cost for this event.  Hotel Cascada is offering the venue at a below-cost rate, and due to the needs of our participants - it is imporantant that we reserve the entire facility, and close it to the public.

You can help in several ways:

• Title Sponsor: $1,500 - Covers the reduced cost of the venue for one evening
• Major Sponsor: $500 - Helps offset the cost of advertising
• Supporting Sponsor: $250 - covers lost or broken equipment for event (life jackets, paddles, etc)
• Sponsor: $100 - provides scholarships for 10 low-income kids¹
• Other donation amounts greatly appreciated
  

"My 14 yrs old son has ASD and he had an awesome experience Kayaking. One of my concerns with him is that he doesn't seem interested in anything and this Kayaking experience opened that door for him. He loves it, he gets his backpack ready and wants to go everyday. It helped him with his sleep patterns, he is sleeping a lot better what makes his days better because he is rested. It also helped with his coordination since his main problem is apraxia and dispraxia that is a most for me. Personally I feel very happy to see my son being successful in something like this and enjoying it. Iam very greatful with Kayak New Mexico for their time and compromise with my son." Arlene L. Albuquerque, NM

 "Shaun had such a great time [in the adaptive kayaking program] & I see such a difference in him today.  You, your volunteers & teachers do a great job. You're providing a safety net for him right now & that is what he needs to grow.  I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate what you are doing for Shaun!" Loretta H., Albuquerque, NM

¹ scholarships based on those receiving reduced/free lunch plans with Albuquerque or Rio Rancho Public Schools

More About our Ongoing Adaptive Kayaking Programs:

"Marina" shares her story during a Balloon Fiesta Kayaking Trip

"Super Service Challenge (corporate giveaway) - 3 Week Autism Program video submission:

"Super Service Challenge (corporate giveaway) - Adaptive Paddlers Giving Back video submission"

"Super Service Challenge (corporate giveaway) - Beyond Limits Wheelchair Sports Camp video submission"

"Super Service Challenge (corporate giveaway) Muscular Dystrophy Camp video submission"