Adaptive Sports Center (ASC), a non-profit group that helps people with disabilities participate in a wide range of outdoor activities, has released its latest inspirational short film entitled “Gavin” at the 2020 Virtual Crested Butte Open. “Gavin” tells the story of Gavin Grubbs, an ASC participant who was diagnosed at a very young age of 3-months with Merosin-Negative Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, a disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass throughout the body.

Despite the limitations that COVID-19 has put on physical gatherings in 2020, the film (produced in collaboration with Adaptive Sports Center’s pro-bono agency partner, Idea Ranch) premiered August 2 at the Crested Butte Open Gala, an annual event that both inspires ASC participants and encourages financial support for Adaptive Sports Center. The CB Open is an important fundraiser for ASC and COVID-19 required a new approach. In addition to producing the “Gavin’ film, Idea Ranch assisted with the conversion of the event from in-person to virtual, including Zoom style interaction, an online/live auction and live streaming of the film “Gavin”. The film can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PCE993B29M&t=4s

“We have been honored to work with Adaptive Sports Center for several years now. With the current limitations on physical gatherings, we knew the production of this film and its usage in the virtual setting of this year’s event was more important than ever.” says Eric Barnes, Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer. “We couldn’t be prouder of our relationship with Adaptive Sports Center and the unique opportunity to elevate their stories, such as Gavin’s, and impact the lives of all those touched by their efforts. ASC holds a special place in our hearts and the work we are privileged to do on their behalf is both humbling and inspiring.”

“Each year we have the opportunity to tell the story of an Adaptive Sports Center participant, and each year our hearts are deeply moved. I count it a privilege getting to know these inspiring people and I’m thankful to call them friends. Our team is humbled to tell a part of their amazing stories and how adaptive recreation benefits them and their families.”  Hunter Brothers, Senior Storyteller.

Since 1987, Adaptive Sports Center has provided high-quality recreation to people with disabilities and hosts nearly 800 participants and their families every year, empowering them to take part in a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing and paddle sports to climbing and cycling. ASC participants live with a wide range of disabilities—both physical and, in the case of PTSD, psychological.

Gavin was six years old when he first came in contact with Adaptive Sports Centers. “My disability is a key part of me and the way I act is a product of that and the situation I’m in. If you take that away, it’s completely different and it isn’t me…” Says, Gavin. “It wasn’t just about skiing though… I remember loving it as soon as I started doing it. That’s the most freedom I felt up until that point…”

“When our participants experience an activity they never thought possible it has lasting therapeutic benefit when they return home. The Gavin film not only inspires all of us but empowers ASC participants and emotionally connects our community to our cause at heart. Each year, our ability to communicate stories like Gavin’s is a powerful picture for our staff, volunteers and supporters of the importance of our mission. We’re in this together, the work we do here isn’t possible without them,” Says ASC Director, Chris Hensley

About Adaptive Sports Center, Crested Butte, CO

Adaptive Sports Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities through exceptional outdoor adventure activities. The successful programs ASC provides are inclusive to families and friends, empower participants in their daily lives and have a positive enduring effect on self-efficacy, health, independence and overall well-being.

About Idea Ranch

Idea Ranch is a full-service advertising, PR, and consumer insights firm headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a second office in Wichita, Kansas. The firm has a diversified list of clients across the country and is an industry leading marketing communications company building brands in the outdoor recreation and passion sports sectors. For more information, please visit www.idearanch.com.