Activities

HERO USA exists to provide opportunities for youth to learn and experience various sporting activities. We intend to eliminate participation barriers and provide the necessary mentoring, support, and education to safely participate in these activities. Below is a list of past and current programs which have been provided to youth from local organizations including Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more.

HERO USA Winter Sports Training - For 7+ Years, HERO USA has worked with local youth groups like the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus to provide opportunities for inner city youth to learn how to Ski and Snowboard. We have a group of volunteers who provide one-on-one instruction and mentoring to the students on the slopes. HERO USA has brought students to the LOUIE VITO RAIL JAM which is a competitive snowboard competition put on by Ohio's Famous Olympic Snowboarder. Another annual event we have participated in is the Mad River Mountain's "Cabin Fever". We use this day to both teach youth how to ski/snowboard and to promote our mission to the skiing/snowboarding community. Each year we have raised the funds needed to purchase the lift tickets and equipment rentals for these young participants. If you would like to help us grow this program to be able to include more youth, please sign up to volunteer or make a donation today!

HERO USA Summer Sports Training - HERO USA is focused on expanding and growing its summer sports training curriculum. Currently, we have developed a strong foundation in paddle sports education. We have also promoted safe water skiing and wake board instruction. In the future, we will be expanding summer programs to include running, biking, mountain climbing, wind surfing, and more. Below is a list of successful programs that HERO USA has developed or partnered on:

• "Paddle In the City" – HERO USA has worked with the Columbus Recreation and Parks to offer a canoe and kayak education activity to the patrons of their annual Jazz & Rib Festival. We have certified ACA instructors teach individuals a “Smart Start” to Kayaking and Canoeing. We invite youth from the local Boys and Girls Club of Columbus and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio to come participate in the course and to volunteer.
• "DRN Paddle sports Safety Education Class" - HERO USA has partnered with The Disability Resource Network to provide educational support to their Paddle sports Education Class. Disability Resource Network is a 501c3 organization who supports individuals with developmental disabilities. HERO USA provides ACA certified and Adaptive Paddling certified Instructors who provide Kayak and Canoe education to youth and young adults who have disabilities including deaf, autism, and down syndrome clients.
• "HERO USA Water Sports Weekend" During the summers of 2010, 2011 and 2013, HERO USA has offered free water sports education to local community youth groups. HERO USA has provided trainers and equipment to youth interested in learning basic skills and safe practices of various technical water sports including skiing, wake-boarding, canoeing, and kayaking.

The HERO USA Board of Directors is working together to identify local agencies in the community whose mission is to enhance the lives disadvantaged youths and can benefit from the educational programs and events we conduct. We are also reviewing opportunities to work with local school systems to provide educational opportunities that currently do not exist in current physical education curriculum or extracurricular sports programs. If you are affiliated with any of these groups and would like to discuss program development opportunities, please follow the CONTACT US link and send us a message!