History

From it’s founding in 1996, until 2003, the organization was called Central Oregon Adaptive Skiing Program (COASP). During the time, the organization was almost entirely managed and partially funded by its founder, Jack Alexander, a retired biologist with the U.S. Forest Service. It was under the fiscal sponsorship and funds management of Central Oregon Resources for Independent Living (CORIL).

In the summer of 2003, Mr. Alexander, along with a number of the volunteers, decided to revamp the organization, renaming it Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS). OAS was incorporated on December 23, 2003 as a non-profit corporation in the State of Oregon. OAS is also a Chapter of Disability Sports USA, a nationally recognized non-profit organization. We received approval as a 501(c) (3) corporation through inclusion in their blanket ruling by the I.R.S.

Before the 2005-06 ski season, the program was conducted at Mt. Bachelor. Beginning in 2003, Mt. Hoodoo invited OAS to relocate the program to their facility, offering essential advantages of a new, and therefore ADA compliant base lodge, a secure ski storage room at no cost, and permission to conduct a formal adaptive ski instruction program. This had the added advantage of a beginner’s area more suitable for adaptive skiing. In addition, the location is accessible from Willamette Valley communities such as Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, and Portland (where many participants reside).

We also offer ski assistance by our volunteers at Mt. Bachelor, and Mt. Bachelor Resort refers persons to our program.