FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHARLTON, Mass. — September 9, 2026 — As its major 2026 events come to a close, the New England Water Ski Collective is celebrating a season defined by adaptive-sport access, youth volunteer leadership, competitive achievement, and an estimated $117,900+ economic contribution to the region.
The Collective’s Adaptive Ski Program welcomed 118 athlete registrations across six adaptive ski events and weekly Adaptive Sundays, including 42 veteran participants. With 66 identified volunteers and athletes and families representing 62 hometowns, the program brought people together from throughout the region for opportunities to build confidence, independence, friendships, and a connection to the water.
The estimated economic contribution includes $62,600 in direct program spending and $55,300 in Volunteer Contribution Value, based on Move United’s volunteer-value benchmark. The estimate does not include participant, family, or volunteer travel, lodging, meals, fuel, or other local visitor spending.
“The numbers help tell an important part of the story, but the real impact is in the people,” said Ryan DesRoches, Director of Adaptive Skiing. “Every athlete, family member, volunteer, donor, sponsor, and partner helps create a place where people can feel supported, challenged, and included.”
The Collective also expanded its presence in competitive water skiing. Members of its Competition Team competed throughout the summer in the Northeast Slalom Series, a series of tournaments hosted across the eastern region. This past weekend, Sydney Zmetra represented the Collective at the NESS Finals at Pangaea Puddle in Canajoharie, New York, as one of 16 adult skiers who qualified to compete for the series championship.
In July, the New England Water Ski Collective hosted its first tournament in the series, the Massachusetts State Slalom Championships, at Buffumville Dam in Charlton. More than 33 skiers from across the eastern region gathered for the competition, bringing additional activity and visibility to the local community.
The organization credits its season’s success to the continued commitment of its sponsors, donors, volunteers, youth volunteers, athletes, families, and partner organizations. Youth volunteers, in particular, played a central role throughout the Adaptive Ski Program by providing on-water and shoreline support, encouragement, and leadership.
While major events are winding down, the Collective is not putting away its skis and life jackets just yet. Members will continue practicing on local ponds throughout the fall, with many skiing into October and some pushing into November before transitioning to snow skiing at local mountains.
Looking ahead, the Collective is already preparing for 2027. Priorities include developing new events, expanding safety training, pursuing staff accreditations, and building a stronger board of directors to guide the organization in the years ahead.
Individuals interested in volunteering or becoming part of the New England Water Ski Collective can contact adaptive@newenglandwaterski.org. There is plenty of work to do—on and off the water.
About New England Water Ski Collective
New England Water Ski Collective is a Central Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive recreational and competitive water-ski opportunities. Its programs support athletes of all abilities, veterans, families, youth volunteers, and the broader water-ski community.
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