Who We Are
NEHSA (New England Healing Sports Association) is a passionate group of people who pool their knowledge, skills and courage to participate in adaptive sports. Our entire organization is dedicated to providing athletes with access to outdoor sport and recreation, building new skills and igniting their confidence!
50 Years of Adaptive Sports History
First established in 1972 as “New England Handicapped Ski Association”, by a group of returning Vietnam war veterans as a weekend adaptive skiing program for veterans with physical disabilities. As the program grew, a small lodge was constructed at Mount Sunapee Resort.
Over the next several decades the program grew to include year-round adaptive sports and adaptive recreation opportunities for veterans and civilians with physical and cognitive disabilities and wee changed our name to reflect the healing power of adaptive sport and recreation to “New England Healing Sports Association.”
In 1996, NEHSA began hosting a winter sports clinic for disabled veterans in partnership with regional Veterans Associations. This event is one of the largest of its kind in New England, drawing veterans from all over the country. Through our veteran lessons and events, we remain committed to enabling access to adaptive sports and adaptive recreation for veterans with disabilities.
As we head into our 50th year of operations, we are delighted to offer year-round programming that includes adaptive kayaking, adaptive paddle boarding, adaptive skiing and snowboarding, and adaptive hiking.
Anyone Can Learn to Ski/Snowboard
NEHSA offers adaptive skiing and adaptive snowboarding lessons to all ages and disabilities. Based at Mount Sunapee Resort, our lodge is home to our winter adaptive skiing and snowboarding program, where we offer instruction in stand up or sit-down skiing, or snowboarding (some people try both). Our clients range from amputees, persons recovered from polio or strokes, individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia and quadriplegia, visual and/or deaf, and persons with developmental disabilities. Ready to get on started? Request an account in our NEHSA portal, click here!
Anyone Can Kayak/Paddle/Row or Hike
NEHSA’s adaptive paddle and hiking programs offer the opportunity for people living with disabilities to develop new skills, build physical strength, and enjoy the beautiful summer and fall weather. Paddleboard and kayaking lessons are offered to all ages and disabilities from June through September at various locations around Sunapee, NH. Adaptive hikes are also open to all ages and disabilities in and around Sunapee, NH.
To see a full list of our adaptive paddle and hiking options visit our Events Calendar ▶ HERE
No experience is necessary and NEHSA provides all the adaptive equipment. Our staff of volunteers trains intensively to ensure safety and fun. Many of our instructors are certified through the American Canoe Association (ACA).
Mid Year Review
Learn more about how our outreach and fundraising efforts with our Mid-Year Review.
