City of Fort Collins Recreation Program Receives $25,000 Grant from The Hartford

Contact Information

• Brenda McDowell, Adaptive Recreation Opportunities Coordinator, 970-416-2024, [email protected], Website: https://www.fcgov.com/aro/

City of Fort Collins Recreation Program Receives $25,000 Grant from The Hartford
Company surprises local athlete with custom-fit sports equipment

Adaptive Recreation Opportunities (ARO), a City of Fort Collins Recreation Department program, was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from The Hartford for new adaptive sports equipment.

The grant enabled Adaptive Recreation Opportunities, a member of the Move United member network, to purchase adaptive sports equipment, including one wheelchair-rugby chair, two sports wheelchairs, one all-terrain wheelchair and two recumbent bikes. ARO showcased the newly purchased equipment during the Paralympic Program & Equipment Expo yesterday at the Fort Collins Senior Center. Community members were invited to test out the new equipment, meet with ARO staff and learn about upcoming adaptive recreation programs.

"Adaptive Recreation Opportunities is incredibly grateful for the partnership with Move United and support from The Hartford," said Sarah Olear, City of Fort Collins recreation supervisor. "Thanks to meaningful collaborations like this, ARO has been able to provide adaptive recreation opportunities in Northern Colorado since 1973. In 2024 alone, ARO offered 165 programs to nearly 2,400 community members, including specialized aquatics, arts, sports, education, social events, trips and Paralympic-style programming. It truly takes a community to support a community, and we're lucky to have one of the best."

At the Paralympic Program & Equipment Expo, Martin Dawson, a local Fort Collins athlete who participates in several adaptive sports, was surprised with a custom-fit, Nordic cross-country sit ski with support from Move United and The Hartford. "Before my injury, I taught both able-bodied and adaptive snow sports, so I know how much the right equipment can change things," said Dawson. "To actually get this grant myself feels pretty wild. I'm grateful to everyone who's supported me along the way and to the organizations that made this possible."

About Adaptive Recreation Opportunities
Adaptive Recreation Opportunities (ARO), a City of Fort Collins Recreation Department program, supports quality and equal opportunity recreation and leisure programs for community members with disabilities. The ARO program offers healthy and fun experiences through two basic service areas: transition services and specialized programs. ARO supports inclusion services for the City of Fort Collins Recreation Department and strives to foster independence for individuals participating within its recreation experiences. Learn more about ARO and the new equipment rental process online at fcgov.com/aro.

About The HartfordThe Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, employee benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust, and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com This link opens in a new browser tab.

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About Move United
Move United is the national leader in community adaptive sports, empowering 125,000 youth and adults with disabilities each year to live to their fullest potential. Move United's 245 member organizations in 45 states are united by a single mission: ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, experiences the life-changing power of sport and is fully included in their community.

Move United, an Affiliate of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to become physically and emotionally stronger through participation in 70 adaptive sports. Established in 1956, Move United offers community-based sports recreation, education and competition that push people further, bring people closer and leave no one on the sidelines. Join our MOVEment at moveunitedsport.org.