Adaptive Recreation Opportunities keep Individuals of All Abilities Busy!

November 20, 2017

Fall is here and many of the individuals we serve are enjoying the season with Adaptive Recreation Opportunities (ARO). The ARO program offers healthy and fun experiences through three basic service areas: inclusion, transition, and specialized programs. In the last INK issue, we highlighted one particular ARO program – the monthly dances at the Fort Collins Senior Center.

Some additional activities they offer include:

• Skiing
• Dinner and movie nights
• Bowling
• Biking
• Cooking
• Rock climbing
• Rafting
• Skating
• Trips to Rockies games
• Adaptive yoga

Foothills Favorites

Movie Night

Steve A. and Becky B. are two individuals currently in the Foothills Gateway Prevocational Program. Steve and Becky have been dating for thirteen years and enjoy a variety of activities the ARO program has to offer. They both agree, their favorite is the movie nights. They grab a large popcorn and two drinks, and enjoy their night out, spending time with each other in the community. Most recently, they watched Despicable Me 3 and laughed the night away.

Bowling

Missy S. and Shelly S., two sisters who also receive services from Foothills Gateway, frequent as many events put on by the ARO program as possible. They
enjoy bowling, putt-putt, and dances. They noted, however, that bowling is by far their favorite; As sisters they tend to be very competitive with one another. They go head to head, usually splitting the wins and making sure to flaunt it when they come out on top. All in all, the best part about bowling for Missy and Shelly is kicking back, enjoying a burger and fries, and participating in some friendly competition. They look forward to bowling with each other every opportunity they get.

Flag Football

As for Gabe G., his favorite ARO programs are camping and playing flag football. The Adult Unified Flag Football program within ARO unites a variety of individuals. Teams are co-ed and made up of players with an array of abilities who are able to practice and compete in the Special Olympics area tournament. “I love it because you get to meet amazing people, make new friends and be part of a team,” Gabe says. His favorite memory is running past all of the defenders to score his teams’ first touchdown of the season. They even got to play a game at the new stadium on the Colorado State University campus. He says he’ll definitely be back next season and he’s excited for more!

We are lucky to live in such a beautiful state that offers so many opportunities for recreation and we are thankful to have the ARO program that assists individuals at Foothills Gateway in participating in recreational activities so that they can continue to enjoy life to its fullest. If you or somebody that you know would like to get involved with the ARO program contact Renee Lee at 970-224-6027 or rlee@fcgov.com.