Building Community and Expanding Access: AARP Vermont Partners with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports

Volunteers are at the heart of Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports’ mission, helping ensure that athletes and participants of all abilities can safely enjoy outdoor recreation across Vermont. For Frank, volunteering with Vermont Adaptive began not as a plan—but as a family experience. Frank’s involvement with the organization began as a parent—long before he ever considered volunteering. His daughter was a Vermont Adaptive bi skier.

“My daughter loved movement, bouncing, and being outside,” Frank shared. “Her genetic condition kept her in a wheelchair, yet the bi ski allowed her to cruise.”

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After starting as an observer in 2005, Frank slowly became more involved—first assisting, then instructing, and eventually training other volunteers. But making the leap from watching to volunteering wasn’t automatic. 

“It was a tough transition, because the required skill set is a big jump,” Frank said. “I was watching, and a friend of our daughter’s—she was in a bi-ski—turned to me and said, ‘Frank, you can do this.’ I was petrified… and exhilarated.”

Frank recalled another defining moment during a ski race with his daughter. His wife had transformed their daughter’s wheelchair into a cardboard pirate ship for the costume themed event. 

“It was a windy day, and that pirate ship was like a sail,” he laughed. “Again—petrified but exhilarating. It was a leap of faith. That surge of energy and excitement—that’s what did it.”

For Frank, volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about connection, purpose, and shared experience.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be part of a group that does something amazing,” he said. “When people of all ages and abilities come together for a shared experience and accomplish something incredible, they’ll all be telling a similar story of success.”

That sense of purpose aligns closely with AARP Vermont’s focus on healthy aging, connection, and community engagement.

“Once folks find events or activities they enjoy volunteering at, they keep coming back,” Frank said. “It’s helping out where needed, being part of a team—and everyone benefits.”

When asked what he’d say to other adults 50+ who might be thinking about volunteering, Frank keeps it simple.

“The important thing is to get started and do what you can,” he said. “Find something fun that you like to do or watch. Once you identify that, you can find ways to be part of it.”

Frank’s volunteering continues year round, from tandem biking with athletes who have visual impairments, to mountain biking, to supporting large community events like the VT50 and VT100. In the winter of 2025-2026, Frank volunteered on 55 outings at Pico Mountain, Stratton Mountain, and Bromley Mountain, and also led 4 full days of training during pre-season training dates. 

Whether he’s supporting a lesson, biking alongside an athlete with a visual impairment, or watching the final participant cross a finish line after a long event day, the impact is unmistakable.

“I got involved to give back,” said Frank, “and discovered that I continue to get just as much joy and satisfaction as the participants do.”

A Shared Commitment to Vermont Communities

This collaboration goes beyond sponsorship—it’s about aligning missions to create lasting impact. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports promotes AARP Vermont as a partner across its events, publications, and digital platforms, reinforcing a shared commitment to healthy aging, accessibility, and community connection.

Together, AARP Vermont and Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports are working to ensure that Vermonters of all abilities have opportunities to stay active, build confidence, and participate fully in community life.

To learn more about Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, including programs and volunteer opportunities, visit vermontadaptive.org. To stay up to date on AARP Vermont’s community partnerships and events, visit aarp.org/vt.