Fort Collins Adaptive Recreation Program Receives $25,000 Equipment Grant
The City of Fort Collins' Adaptive Recreation Opportunities program has received a $25,000 grant from The Hartford insurance company to purchase new adaptive sports equipment for community members with disabilities.
The grant allowed ARO to buy specialized equipment including wheelchair-rugby chairs, sports wheelchairs, an all-terrain wheelchair and recumbent bikes. The equipment was showcased Wednesday at the Paralympic Program & Equipment Expo at the Fort Collins Senior Center, where community members could test the gear and learn about upcoming programs.
Significant Boost to Program Budget
The $25,000 grant represents approximately 7% of ARO's annual budget, according to City of Fort Collins budget documents. The program operates on $349,523 annually and supports three full-time equivalent staff positions.
"Adaptive Recreation Opportunities is incredibly grateful for the partnership with Move United and support from The Hartford," said Sarah Olear, City of Fort Collins recreation supervisor. "It truly takes a community to support a community, and we're lucky to have one of the best."
Local Athlete Receives Custom Equipment
At Wednesday's expo, Martin Dawson, a Fort Collins athlete who participates in several adaptive sports, was surprised with a custom-fit Nordic cross-country sit ski funded by Move United and The Hartford.
"Before my injury, I taught both able-bodied and adaptive snow sports, so I know how much the right equipment can change things," Dawson said. "To actually get this grant myself feels pretty wild."
Program Serves Nearly 2,400 Annually
ARO has provided adaptive recreation opportunities in Northern Colorado since 1973, according to the Anecdotal History of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation. In 2024, the program offered 165 programs to nearly 2,400 community members, including specialized aquatics, arts, sports, education, social events and Paralympic-style programming.
The program has grown significantly since its early years when it relied on community and school district resources. Around 2000, it was rebranded as "Adaptive Recreation Opportunities – Aiming for Independence" and expanded to include aquatics, unified sports, transition services and arts programs.
Equipment and Services Available
ARO supports community members with disabilities through transition services and specialized programs. The program offers inclusion services for mainstream Fort Collins Recreation Department activities and provides more than 8,000 hours of inclusion support annually.
The program is open to any person with a physical or intellectual disability, with no proof of income required. Fort Collins Recreation also offers a reduced fee program that provides sliding scale discounts based on income for up to 80% off recreation fees.
ARO is a member of the Move United network, which empowers 125,000 youth and adults with disabilities annually through 245 member organizations across 45 states.
More information about ARO and equipment rental is available at fcgov.com/aro.