Webster, MA – January 29, 2026 – The Webster Water Ski Collective is proud to announce that Ryan DesRoches, Director of Adaptive Programs and founder of the organization’s Adaptive Water Ski Program, along with Cindi Gazda, adaptive skier and certified adaptive ski instructor, have been selected to receive full scholarships to attend the 2026 Move United Education Conference.
The scholarships were awarded through a grant made possible by the VA Adaptive Sports Grant, which supports the development of adaptive sports opportunities for disabled veterans and other individuals with disabilities across the United States.
The Move United Education Conference will be held April 18–23, 2026 in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and brings together adaptive sports professionals, volunteers, and leaders from across the U.S. and Canada. The event includes sessions on inclusive coaching, program development, nonprofit management, equipment innovation, and hands-on adaptive sports clinics.
Ryan DesRoches (left) – Founder and Director of the Adaptive Ski Program
“This is an incredible opportunity for us,” said Ryan DesRoches. “As a 100% volunteer-run organization, we’re always looking for ways to improve and grow. Being able to connect with other adaptive sports leaders and learn from their experiences will help us strengthen every part of our program — from how we support athletes with different disabilities, to how we manage and sustain our organization long-term.”
DesRoches founded the adaptive water ski program six years ago after a chance encounter with a skier with cerebral palsy inspired him to make water skiing more accessible. Today, the organization supports over 120 adaptive participants annually, including hosting one of the largest Veteran adaptive water ski events in the country, as recognized by USA Water Ski & Wake Sports.
The Webster Water Ski Collective has also expanded its reach by hosting adaptive clinics throughout Massachusetts, and in 2026 will be partnering with the Electric City Water Ski Show Team to host their first clinic in New York State. The organization values collaboration and has actively forged partnerships with other ski clubs and adaptive organizations including the Aqua Riders of Holland Show Ski Team, Team Hoyt New England and the Jack Trottier Foundation.
Cindi Gazda – Adaptive Instructor and Skier along with an Adaptive Skier.
Cindi Gazda, a traumatic brain injury survivor, began as a participant and has since become one of the Collective’s most dedicated volunteers earning her safety and instructor certifications through USA Water Ski & Wake Sports shortly after participating at her first event with the Adaptive Ski Program. She now plays a vital role at nearly every clinic, offering both lived experience and technical expertise that deeply benefits the program and its participants.
“Adaptive sports helped me find purpose again,” Gazda said. “Being able to attend this conference and bring back new ideas, skills, and connections will help us continue to deliver experiences that change lives.”
The knowledge and resources gained from the Move United Conference will be instrumental in helping the Webster Water Ski Collective continue its mission to provide life-changing experiences for people with disabilities through adaptive water skiing.
For more information about the Webster Water Ski Collective and its adaptive programs, visit www.newenglandaterski.org or follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram https://facebook.com/WebsterWaterSki and https://instagram.com/websterwaterski.
Contact:
Ryan DesRoches
Webster Water Ski Collective
508-944-9793
adaptive@newenglandaterski.org
www.newenglandaterski.org
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