Fabulous people with big hearts

 
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Gary Robbins

Gary joined AAWS in 2020 as a new board member and currently works as the Senior Vice President at Risk Strategies Company. He has been in in the employee benefit insurance business since 1990. Gary has been very active during his career supporting non-profit organizations such as Special Olympics New York City & Arizona, National Brain Tumor Foundation and Arizona Disabled Sports where he also served as President. He passionately believes that everyone should have access to activities and sports regardless of their adaptive needs.

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Ryan Johnson

I'm a c4/c5 spinal cord injury survivor. My life leveled up and my mind opened the first time I went waterskiing. I want young people affected by disabilities to experience the adventure of watersports.

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Bryan Church

Bryan has supported adaptive watersports in the state of Arizona for 23 years. He had sustained a spinal cord injury 40 years ago and is very aware of the importance of accessibility. His goal is to provide the most accessible watersports experiences to anyone with amazing abilities.

Melanie Bosley- Bloomfield

Melanie with Century Marine has been in the boating industry her entire life.  Parents Bruce and Janet Bosley started Century Marine in 1970 and raised their kids around watersports, Lake Powell and boats.  Bruce and Janet were integral with getting adaptive watersports launched 27 years ago in Arizona and now Melanie continues with their legacy with changing lives on the water.

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Brent Wood

listen to his story…

Born & raised in AZ, an AZ Wildcat who enjoys helping others spend the time of their life at Bartlett Lake either fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, surfing or floating. We are here to help make your day GREAT!

 I am not a MD, PT or EMT and do NOT like the sight of my own blood, I’m known as the billboard guy and been in the outdoor advertising business for over 30 years.

 My greatest joy is seeing the huge smiles on people’s faces skiing across the lake!

Nathan Holt

I became actively involved with AAWS in 2024, and from the very first moment, I knew I wanted to contribute in any way I could.

My fondest childhood memories were made on the water with family and friends. Those experiences left a lasting impact, shaping my deep appreciation for the joy, peace, and sense of connection the water provides.

As a husband and father of four—one of whom has special needs—my commitment to providing my family with the same opportunities I had as a child has only grown stronger. I recognize how transformative these experiences can be, not just for recreation but also for strengthening bonds and promoting well-being. My goal is to ensure that my children and others have the chance to experience the same sense of freedom, joy, and tranquility I felt growing up on the lake.

Having a child with special needs has deepened my desire to make the water accessible to everyone. I understand the challenges of creating inclusive experiences, and I am passionate about breaking down those barriers. For me, the water is not just a place for fun—it’s a therapeutic space where families can reconnect, find peace, and create lasting memories, regardless of their ability.

My mission with AAWS is clear: to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or abilities, has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the water.