Imagine a beautiful walk in the park on a Fall day, a hike up Knox Mountain with the view of Okanagan Lake, or a leisurely paddle in a kayak on the lake?

If you’re a person with a disability, this may not seem possible.

But the Community Recreational Initiatives Society of Kelowna brings this picture to life by offering outdoor and wilderness programs to outdoor enthusiasts with disabilities.

The programs CRIS provides are varied depending on the participant.

Kayaking, hiking and tandem cycling are among the activities.

From strolls in the park to summiting mountain peaks, anything seems possible for this group.

“I never thought I would be able to hike again,” said Derek Watters, a CRIS participant who now volunteers as the society’s director of public relations.

“This committed group of volunteers helped lift my spirits by taking me into nature. It’s a wonderful service that has greatly improved my quality of life.”

Participants have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Okanagan countryside in a socially inclusive and safe environment.

The highly trained CRIS volunteers provide all the equipment and supplies in order to make the participant completely comfortable during their adventure.

CRIS offers three groups of programs—adaptive youth, adaptive adults and adaptive seniors programs.

This is to ensure the programs provide the right experience for each type of person from the beginner to the extreme enthusiast.

The hiking program involves two types of chairs; the Trailrider and the Remote Independent Mobility Chair depending on the hike.

Watters is amazed at how the volunteers will never say quit. They are committed to showing the participant a great time. Seeing them tackle a 45 degree angle up a mountain “with the power of a team, anything is possible.”

“I believe CRIS is important to our community because it blurs the separation between people of various abilities and disabilities,” said Katie Johnston, executive director of the society.

“Each CRIS outing is a team of great people coming together, exploring the beauties of nature and most importantly having a great time.”

CRIS provides adaptive outdoor adventures for persons with disabilities. Programs are as varied as each individual client.

There are no fees for the programs, instead participants are asked to make a donation.

This ensures all participants are entitled to the same experience regardless of economic status.

“I’m rewarded everyday by giving my time to help people to explore the outdoors,” added Johnston.

“Taking the time to care can really mean the world to someone else.”

For further information regarding programs at CRIS see the webiste www.corein so.com or call 250-979-3941.

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The Community Recreational Initiatives Society is one of the 39 Community Partners supported by the United Way of the Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen.

The 58th annual workplace campaign is now on.

This year’s theme is “One Plus You.” “One” is the goal of exceeding $1 million in fundraising dollars and “You” is encouraging everyone to participate by donating their time, talent and donations.

Karen Graham is the community development coordinator for the United Way of the Central and South Okanagan.