Henry Harrop, Maine Adaptive Athlete
Henry has always loved the snow. From dressing up as a groomer snowcat for Halloween to declaring his favorite color is white, he has been drawn to everything related to skiing, snowmaking, grooming, and the place he calls home, Sunday River. He constantly asks a million questions about the trails, the mechanics of snowmaking, grooming, and how skis work.
Through a program at his elementary school called Rug Rats, where kids ski once a week during the school day, Henry began skiing with Maine Adaptive and Coach Colin. Over the past five years, it has just gotten better and better! Maine Adaptive provides an environment where Henry is supported, challenged, and celebrated, and Coach Colin has been instrumental in helping him build both his skills and his confidence on the mountain.
Henry’s brain is always thinking about the mechanics of skiing: tipping, twisting, and how each movement helps him glide down the mountain. He studies it, practices it, and enjoys it with every run. With Coach Colin’s guidance, technical knowledge and the incredible support from Maine Adaptive, Henry continues to grow not just as a skier, but as a confident, curious and determined kid.
This year, for a 6th-grade writing assignment, Henry was asked to write his own version of Kobe Bryant’s poem Dear Basketball about something he loves. Without hesitation, he chose skiing. His poem, shared below, beautifully captures what skiing means to him and the profound impact that Coach Colin and Maine Adaptive have had on his life.
For Henry, skiing is more than just a sport, it’s a part of the community he lives in and his family’s life. Skiing is something his whole family loves, so finding a way for him to participate has been priceless!
March 22nd, Henry and his sisters will be participating in Maine Adaptive’s 38th Annual Ski-A-Thon fundraiser. He named his team Henry’s Alpine Outlaws because, in his opinion, his sisters are true outlaws. If you’re out on the slopes at Sunday River, keep an eye out for them!
