UNE student Julia Currier wraps up internship with Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation as adaptive winter sports instructor

Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies (HWOS) student, Julia Currier (’20), hit the slopes this winter for an internship experience with Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation. Housed at Sunday River mountain in Newry, Maine Adaptive offers summer and winter adaptive sports and recreation programs, including skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, canoeing, cycling, golf, tennis, and more, for adults and children with physical disabilities. 

As an avid skiier, Julia supported participants of all ages on the Sunday River slopes, aiding them with adaptive ski equipment, helping them to exceed their goals and, most importantly, ensuring they had fun. As part of Julia's culminating internship project, she is writing and illustrating a children's book about adaptive winter sports, designed to ease potential anxiety, build confidence and provide engaging visual and sensory elements for children. 

As the winter season comes to a close, Julia reflected about the value of her experience. "Volunteering at Maine Adaptive has shown me how powerful social engagement in outdoor recreation can be,” she said. “I have helped participants break through boundaries they never saw possible and am inspired by their drive every day. I have reveled in sharing my passion with others and learning from both my fellow volunteers and the participants. I have truly enjoyed my time at Maine Adaptive and know I will be back for next ski season."

HWOS Assistant Clinical Professor and Internship Coordinator Collyn Baeder, M.P.H., served as faculty mentor for Julia's internship experience.