Play It Forward

04/10/2026

❄️⛷️ Adaptive Snow Skiing with Disabled Veterans 🇺🇸💙

This January and February 2026, Wheeling Forward and Play It Forward partnered with Leaps of Faith Adaptive Skiers to bring an incredible group of veterans with disabilities from the James J. Peters VA Medical Center (Bronx, NY) to Mount Southington Ski Area in Connecticut for a day of adaptive snow skiing.

For many participants, it was their first time skiing in an adaptive setting, and the excitement was felt from the moment they arrived on the mountain. With the help of trained instructors and specialized adaptive equipment, veterans were able to safely experience the thrill of skiing while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape.

The day was filled with laughter, encouragement, and camaraderie as everyone cheered each other on and celebrated every run down the slopes. By the end of the day, one question kept coming up: “When can we do this again?”

Events like this remind us how powerful adaptive sports can be. Creating joyful, empowering experiences and proving that so much is possible. 💙

Learn more about our partner Leaps of Faith Adaptive Skiers
🔗 https://www.lofadaptiveskiers.org/

Follow and for more incredible events like these.

03/24/2026

🏄‍♂️🌊 Making Waves This Winter with Our Veterans 🌊🏄‍♂️

Play It Forward recently partnered with Skudin Surf and James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center to host an unforgettable day of Adaptive Indoor Surfing for Veterans with Disabilities at the American Dream Mall wave pool.

On January 23, approximately 15 veterans hit the waves, many for the very first time. From start to finish, the energy was incredible, with participants cheering each other on, sharing laughs, and already asking, “When can we come back?”

This unique experience created a safe, accessible space for veterans to try something new, especially meaningful during the winter months when opportunities for adaptive recreation can be limited.

Moments like these highlight the power of adaptive sports to foster joy, connection, and adventure. And with such an overwhelming response, we’re excited to share that another outing is already in the works!

💙 Thank you to our amazing partners for helping make this day possible.

Follow Play It Forward and Wheeling Forward to learn more about our work.

03/12/2026

We’re incredibly honored to share that Wheeling Forward and our co-founder Alex Elegudin were mentioned on CNN News Nightcap with Abby Phillip!

Reporter highlights Play It Forward and the life-changing work being done to empower people with disabilities to live every day to the fullest.

This national spotlight is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Through advocacy, adaptive sports, and community-building, Wheeling Forward is committed to creating opportunity, access, and independence for people with disabilities everywhere.

To see our mission recognized on CNN is not just exciting, it’s a testament to our incredible community, supporters, and the resilient individuals we serve every day. 💙♿

Watch the clip and let us know what you think! And if you believe in a world with greater accessibility and inclusion, join us in moving the mission forward.

Follow and to help support our mission. 💙🧡

08/06/2025

Registration is officially open for our ADAPTIVE WATER SKI event!

📅 Sunday, August 24, 2025
📍 Anabas Boat Club, Queens, NY

Spaces are limited, and registration for athletes/participants is first come, first served.
We highly recommend signing up early to secure your spot!

Register link in bio!

08/05/2025

🌊 History was made on the waves! 🌊

The largest adaptive surf event ever wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing volunteers, generous sponsors, and the unstoppable adaptive surf community. Every single wave was powered by your support—thank you for helping us make history! 💙🤙

To our sponsors who make this magic possible:
Surf for All, Skudin Surf, Portale Randazzo LLP, Locals Surf, NYC Ferry, NY Surf, La Rocca Family Foundation, Lotus Capital Partners, Paul Weiss, Port Authority Police, Northwell Health STARS Rehabilitation, PICS, SkyerLaw.

To our core team: Mike Berns, Renata Lukman, Jess Daigle, Josh Skyer, Tim Dunn, Amanda Hutchings, and Mel Oliver.

To our founders: Alex Elegudin, Jason Kahn, Richard Portale, and Sebastián Berdichevsky — thank you for making Play it Forward a reality.

And finally, to every land leader, water leader, hospitality helper, and smiling volunteer — your energy and heart made this day unforgettable. 🌟

We are beyond grateful — and we’re already dreaming of an even bigger splash next year!

Photos by the amazing

07/15/2025

Don’t miss the best event of the year! Sign up today to participate and volunteer! 🏄🏽🏄‍♀️🏄‍♂️

07/14/2025

Join us at our ADAPTIVE SURF EVENT 2025 at Rockaway Beach on July 26th! Register to participate and volunteer https://tinyurl.com/adaptivesurf2025-register
VOLUNTEERS MUCH NEEDED!🏄🏄

Check out ADAPTIVE SURF NYC 2025 by Wheeling Forward!