Oregon Adaptive Sports adds board member
Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS) is proud to announce the addition of the newest member to the board of directors, Eric Ballinger.
Eric is a fourth-generation Oregonian who grew up skiing at Mt. Ashland and Mt Bachelor. He graduated from University of Oregon with a degree in Biology and worked extensively with fruit flies and zebra fish in the Molecular Biology department.
He also volunteered with Special Olympics and traumatic brain injury support groups while in Eugene. It was those interactions that pointed him towards a second career, a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Pacific University.
Upon receiving his master’s degree, he moved to Bend in 1996 and has been working at St. Charles Medical Center ever since. He currently works in the Outpatient Rehabilitation department, conducts a weekly wheelchair seating and positioning clinic, and is a certified ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner) through Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America.
“I have pointed many people towards OAS over the years and it has made all the difference in so many ways. Providing a service that enhances quality of life, introduces or reintroduces people to the great outdoors, builds community, confidence, and independence. I am humbled and honored to be on the board of OAS.”
OAS’s Executive Director, Christine Brousseau, states “OAS is very excited about Mr. Ballinger’s appointment to our board. He is a perfect fit with his adaptive expertise and knowledge. We are grateful to bring him aboard our team in order to help us fulfill our mission of providing outdoor recreational opportunities to ALL individuals, regardless of ability.”
ABOUT OAS: Oregon Adaptive Sports has been breaking barriers in Central Oregon since 1996, providing individuals with disabilities and their families’ opportunities for outdoor recreation. Our goal is to nurture the human spirit and foster self-confidence and independence. We currently offer instructional programs in alpine and Nordic skiing and snowboarding, at both Hoodoo and Mt. Bachelor ski resorts. To prevent cost from being a barrier to participation, we rely on the support of hundreds of volunteers, businesses, donors and sponsors.
