The EDD Story (Eric Douglas Dettenrieder)
Eric Douglas Dettenrieder was a vivacious young man with a passion for skiing. Eric learned to ski at a very young age and followed this passion throughout his life. During his years at Oneonta High School (1987-1991) he was a member of the ski team and ski club. As a Rotary Exchange Student in Trier, Germany (1991-1992), Eric jumped at the chance to ski the Alps. He took advantage of every opportunity to head to the ski slopes while doing his undergraduate work at Muhlenberg College (1992-1996).
On March 3, 1997, at age 23, Eric died as a result of injuries sustained in a skiing accident. His family and friends joined together, with tremendous support from the Oneonta, NY community, to create a lasting memorial to Eric’s adventurous spirit and generosity. Shortly before his death, Eric had the opportunity to teach a group of terminally ill children how to ski. This experience moved him deeply and became the inspiration to create the EDD Memorial Fund.
Incorporated in 1998 as a non-profit organization, the EDD Memorial Fund has helped more than 4,600 children and young adults of all abilities to experience the joy and freedom that Eric found through downhill skiing. In 2020, we began doing business as EDD Adaptive Sports.
On March 3, 1997, at age 23, Eric died as a result of injuries sustained in a skiing accident. His family and friends joined together, with tremendous support from the Oneonta, NY community, to create a lasting memorial to Eric’s adventurous spirit and generosity. Shortly before his death, Eric had the opportunity to teach a group of terminally ill children how to ski. This experience moved him deeply and became the inspiration to create the EDD Memorial Fund.
Incorporated in 1998 as a non-profit organization, the EDD Memorial Fund has helped more than 4,600 children and young adults of all abilities to experience the joy and freedom that Eric found through downhill skiing. In 2020, we began doing business as EDD Adaptive Sports.
"I thought your program was exceptional ... What a great way to honor this individual!”
- EDD Parent
What We Do
EDD Adaptive Sports offers adaptive sports programs throughout the year to children and adults with any disability. Our free basketball, biking, kayaking, soccer, pickleball, rowing and yoga are currently available in Central New York and Vermont. Our programs are appropriate for school-age children and older. No one ages out of the program. We partner with local colleges and community members to lead our skill clinics, as well as with Otsego Area Rowing in Cooperstown, NY, the Adaptive Sports Foundation in Windham, NY to offer alpine race training and downhill skiing instruction, with Athelas Therapeutic Riding in Otego, NY to provide horseback riding lessons and with Northeast Disabled Athletic Association to offer adaptive kayaking. Our current locations are Central NY: Oneonta, Delhi & Cooperstown and Central/Northern VT: Castleton, Colchester, Essex & Waterbury. Our current partners include Castleton University, Hartwick College, SUNY Delhi, SUNY Oneonta and Saint Michael’s College. A 1:1 or 1:2 volunteer-to-athlete ratio allows us to adapt the activities for each athlete’s unique abilities. We aim for every athlete to experience success on the field, whether through developing a new skill or scoring a goal. "If you've had fun, you've won!" sums up our approach. The bonds between our athletes and volunteers are strong; our athletes love working with college athletes and look forward to re-connecting with their buddies each time.
MissionTo provide sports opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.
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VisionTo foster self-assurance and a sense of purpose in people with disabilities, empowering them to embrace the belief that they possess the capability to achieve anything they aspire to.
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EDD Adaptive Sports is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicating to creating sports programs for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. Our goal is for people with disabilities to experience freedom, independence and adventure through participation in sports. We partner with colleges and sporting organizations to provide various adaptive sports opportunities in Central NY and Central/Northern VT.
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"We hold the conviction that by instructing a young woman who relies on a wheelchair in skiing, we are not only imparting a skill but also nurturing her self-belief and recognizing her inherent potential."
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TeamExecutive Officers
Board of Directors
StaffGretchen Dettenrieder Owens, Executive Director, [email protected]
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Sponsors
We are grateful to receive generous support from the community. Thank You!
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Local BusinessThe Automaster
Information Systems Division Oneonta Optical Otsego County Patrons Co-op Scoville-Meno Honda Spherion Staffing Sportsfield Specialties Transitions Physical Therapy |
Foundation and Corporate Giving
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Would you like to join our list of sponsors? Contact Gretchen Owens about sponsorship opportunities.
