SHORELINES

A life-changing program How one m an has helped thousands through water sports for the sport led to something much experience water sports and accomplish drives his boat across Lay Lake, one greater. "I wanted to show others they goals they would not think possible. would think he has been boating and could do this too, give them the same "We are not here for just water skiing his entire life. For something confidence and show them their lives sports," Ray explains. "It's about that comes so naturally to Ray, could be changed," Ray says. changing people's attitudes, thinking Riding alongside Joe Ray as he the executive director of Adaptive He became an instructor, outside the box, pushing limits and Aquatics, it's hard to believe his first and started a parallel program in enabling people to realize they can be time on water skis was after he became Birmingham. When Martin was more than they thought they could be." disabled. His story is more than a diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Ray and his team provide tubing, calling; it's a life-changing journey that they decided to merge the programs has enabled him to help thousands and Ray became executive director of of people across the country through Adaptive Aquatics. water sports. Ray was 20 years old when he That was more than 30 years ago and the Adaptive Aquatics that attracts suffered injuries from a car accident people from across the country today that left him paralyzed from the waist continues to carry out the mission down and in a wheelchair. In 1982, he on which it was founded: dedicated visited Camp ASCCA on Lake Martin to the introduction, teaching and for the first time, attending a camp for advancement of adapted water sports water skiing, kayaking, swimming, adults with disabilities. There, he met for disabled children, adults and fishing and pontoon boat rides for Phil Martin, the founder of a nonprofit injured service members. their students, who range in age from Ray and his team serve about 1,000 2 years old to their mid-80s. Originally people each year, providing instruction hosting clinics in his "backyard" at Lay through clinics and workshops Lake, Ray raised money for 13 years skiing, and I said there would be no from April to October. Through for the facility he runs there today. way I could ski," Ray remembers. the use of specialized equipment "Now, those are the same words I hear and expert instruction, the program and across Lay Lake, along with the from my students." offers individuals with disabilities Lakeshore Foundation, team up to independence and confidence as they help Ray host clinics. water sports organization called Adaptive Aquatics. "He asked if I wanted to try water As Ray continued to ski, his passion Volunteers from the community Left: Photo by Bernard Troncale — Benjamin T. Reduque traveled from DuPont, Wash., to try adaptive skiing during a Wounded Warrior event at the Adaptive Aquatics facility on Lay Lake. Above: Photo by Nik L ayman — Cayden Fry skis with the Adaptive Aquatics team during Spina Bifida Camp at Children's Harbor on Lake Martin. S hor el i ne s | 2013 Vol:3 5

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