Webster, MA – December 8, 2025 — The Webster Water Ski Collective is proud to announce that its Adaptive Ski Program has once again been selected as a recipient of a generous grant from the Mark Fidrych Foundation for the upcoming 2026 season.

This continued support will directly fund boat and equipment maintenance, helping the Collective deliver safe, high-quality adaptive water ski experiences to individuals with disabilities across Massachusetts.

The Mark Fidrych Foundation, named in memory of Major League Baseball pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and adults with disabilities through sports and education. The Foundation has been a loyal supporter of the Collective’s Adaptive Ski Program for several years, and we are truly honored to be a repeat recipient of this incredible grant.

 

“Our partnership with the Mark Fidrych Foundation means so much to us,” said Ryan DesRoches, Director of Adaptive Skiing at the Webster Water Ski Collective. “Their ongoing commitment to inclusion and opportunity in sports perfectly aligns with our mission. Their support continues to fuel the growth and success of our adaptive programming year after year.”

In 2025, the Adaptive Ski Program provided over 120 athletes with disabilities the opportunity to water ski at six events across Massachusetts. In addition to these large-scale events, the Collective also hosted weekly advanced training sessions on Glen Echo Lake in Charlton, MA, focusing on skill development for more experienced adaptive skiers.

The grant from the Mark Fidrych Foundation helps ensure that these life-changing experiences can continue expanding access to water skiing for athletes of all abilities in 2026 and beyond.

About the Webster Water Ski Collective

The Webster Water Ski Collective is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the sport of water skiing through inclusive, community-based programming. With a focus on recreational, competitive, and adaptive skiing, the Collective brings together athletes of all ages and abilities to experience the joy, freedom, and empowerment that come from being on the water. The Collective is best known for its Adaptive Ski Program, which provides individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to ski in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

Learn more at: https://newenglandaterski.org

About the Mark Fidrych Foundation

The Mark Fidrych Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity organized for charitable and benevolent purposes, including—but not limited to—enhancing the lives of children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs, especially through a focus on sports and sports education. The Foundation supports programs and initiatives that promote, maintain, improve, and create opportunities that enrich the lives of individuals with special needs.

The Foundation honors the legacy of Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, a beloved MLB pitcher for the Detroit Tigers known not only for his incredible rookie season in 1976 but also for his charismatic personality and love of the game. Mark was a two-time MLB All-Star and the 1976 American League Rookie of the Year. Beyond baseball, he was known for his generosity, humility, and deep connection to his community in Northborough, Massachusetts. The Foundation continues his spirit by making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Learn more at: http://www.markfidrychfoundation.org/