Lincoln, NH – New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) has announced that founding member Dr. Robert A. Harney was recently inducted in the National Disabled Ski Hall of Fame.  To bestow this honor, the Executive Director of Disabled Sports USA, , Kirk Bauer, JD, made the induction presentation.

Dr. Harney, an orthopedic surgeon based in the greater Boston area, has been instrumental in expanding New England Disabled Sports into one of the premier disabled sports centers in the country, located at Loon Mountain ski resort in Lincoln. Dr. Harney has also provided national leadership and has served on Disabled Sports USA’s board for the past 20 years.

What began as a quest to teach a few lessons in the winter of 1986-87  has grown into a year-round program offering skiing, kayaking, waterskiing, camping, biathlon and more.  All activities are led by a team of highly-skilled volunteer-coaches.  Last year, over 3,000 lessons were provided to children and adults with various physical and developmental disabilities.

“Without Dr. Harney’s vision and determination, New England Disabled Sports would not exist,” stated current NEDS Chairman of the Board, Mike Drake.  “Dr. Bob has led by example, and showed all of us that hard work and vision leads to great achievements.”

During his remarks, Bauer stated, “Under Dr. Harney’s leadership, Disabled Sports USA has grown to over 100 chapters, offering over 40 sports to individuals with disabilities in the US.”  Bauer also praised Dr. Harney’s business acumen, saying “Dr. Bob’s business skill has greatly assisted DSUSA weather substantial recent economic challenges, and today, our organization is strong, well funded, and able to assist our local Chapters.”

On a national and international level, Dr. Harney’s hard work and respected voice has been a leading advocate in ensuring Paralympic Classification is fair and accurate.  Over a 20-year period, Dr. Harney’s passion has helped countless numbers of elite Paralympians shine on a global scale.