Page 18 - Flathead Beacon // 7.20.16

INFOCUS MULTIMEDIA SERIES
BY GREG LINDSTROM
TOP: Mason Wood st-bumps volunteer Je Carlson while water skiing at DREAM Adaptive’s summer water sports program. BELOW: Volunteer Lori Butters, right, celebrates with Kevin Trent after inner tubing at Echo Lake.
SUMMER DREAMING DREAM Adaptive
McKaynee Powell smiles from ear to ear as friends and volunteers on the dock congratulate her after a successful waterski loop around Echo Lake during DREAM Adap- tive’s eighth annual summer watersports camp.
Approximately 160 kids and adults with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities took part in the event, kayaking, waterskiing and inner tubing at Echo Lake.
“Just being able to be out here and do the things that everybody does makes them feel like they are included,” said Cheri DuBeau Carlson, executive director of DREAM Adaptive. “They get to have fun, and they’re just not dif- ferent for a while.”
This year, DREAM Adaptive added a fourth day to the camp. Organizers worked with the Kalispell Vet Center to gather a group of 16 veterans and their families enjoy a day on the water.
“It builds a lot of con dence. It lets them know that they can play and have fun independently,” said Carlson. “It’s about inclusive recreation.”
18
JULY 20, 2016 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
WATCH THE VIDEO: FLATHEADBEACON.COM
Have a good story idea? Call 257-9220 or email greg@ atheadbeacon.com