A few words
About Us
History
A Look into the History and Vision of Adaptive Sportsmen of Kentucky
Since our founding in 2020, Adaptive Sportsmen of Kentucky has been dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor sports. Although founded in 2020, individuals in our group have been involved with various other similar organization in the local area for over 20 years.
Our organization was created to address the lack of adaptive sports programs in the state of Kentucky, and we have since become a leading provider of adaptive sports opportunities for people with disabilities. Our programs include activities such as our fishing events, deer hunt, skeet shoot and many other, and we work with individuals of all ages and ability levels to provide inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation experiences.
Our commitment to promoting inclusion, diversity, and accessibility in outdoor sports has helped to create a supportive and welcoming community for individuals with disabilities. We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, should have access to the physical and emotional benefits of participating in outdoor sports. Our mission is to enrich lives through adaptive sports and to promote awareness of the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
We are proud of our accomplishments over the years and are dedicated to continuing our work in empowering individuals with disabilities to experience the thrill of outdoor sports. Our success would not have been possible without the support of our partners, sponsors, and volunteers. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing to work together to achieve our vision of a world where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Achievements
Become a Volunteer
We have a wide range of programs. Join us for exciting outdoor adventures.
CEO
Bryan King
Bryan King has had a love and respect for the outdoors since he was young. When Bryan learned of an organization which helps the disabled enjoy the outdoors, he was interested. After his first volunteer experience at the deer hunt, he was hooked. He was able to help others enjoy something that we oftentimes take for granted. As a mechanic and business owner, Bryan naturally enjoys a challenge. Some people think they can’t access the outdoors, but the singular mission minded goal of the volunteers in our organization prove they can, even if it looks a little bit different. He says, “We don’t see disabilities as something that can hold you back.” This group has something to offer for everyone, “When you get involved with this group as a participant or volunteer, you think you’re showing up for an event but you’re really becoming part of a family.” When the prior organization folded, Bryan knew the organization meant the world to many people, so he and his wife transitioned the old group to what we now know as Adaptive Sportsmen of Kentucky (ASK). He takes pride in being a hands-on CEO and works closely with his team to plan and execute events.
Vice President
Jacob Hutchins
Jacob Hutchins has been a part of this group for many years, since he was in in his early teens. It was his dad who met someone and learned about a deer management program for handicapped and disabled participants. He and his dad were moved by the mission of the organization and decided to volunteer at that next hunt, and he has never looked back. Over the years he has become very engaged with all the activities of the organization, attending and assisting with the planning of the other events and meetings; ultimately being nominated as the organizations Vice-President. Jacob has a strong background in 4-H shooting sports. Even though he aged out of the program, he stays committed and engaged with the youth as a certified trap coach. “Volunteering is very rewarding to me, whether it’s helping kids learn how to safely and properly use a firearm or helping someone who is handicapped/disabled get outdoors to go hunting and fishing”.
Outreach Coordinator
Bridget King
Bridget King began visiting the disabled events years ago as her dad, brother, and husband all volunteered. She quickly grew to love the group and the people in it. “It’s amazing to see an event unfold, people enjoying the outdoors and socializing with one another. Once you’ve witnessed it, it’s hard not to come back again and again.” Bridget, as a nurse and mother of five, naturally felt she should become involved and help those that are “differently abled” or in need of a little extra help. “The best part is witnessing people who thought they can’t, realize that they can, and it is very rewarding to be a part of that experience.” Bridget’s favorite place to help is serving in the food line or coordinating the stage at the great gun giveaway, so she doesn’t miss seeing anyone. Helping plan and coordinate events is enjoyable for Bridget as she gets to see the hard work and dedication of her team payoff for the disabled participants for which they serve. “It’s truly an honor to be part of this group, as this group is a bigger blessing to us than we could ever be to them.”
Secretary
Tim Pohlman
Tim is U.S. Army Combat Veteran who served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Tim served honorably for 10 years as a Non-Commissioned Officer before getting out of the Army. After leaving the Army, Tim went to school and got his degree in Computer Science and his Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences at Indiana University. Tim has been working in the environmental field for over 25 years and is now an Operations Chief for the Environmental Division on Fort Knox. He and his wife, Kim, learned of this organization in 2014 at the Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. Moved by the mission of the organization and a strong desire to help those who would benefit from the undertakings, he joined and has been highly engaged since day one. “The reward for me is not the act of a hunter harvesting their first deer, catching their first fish, or hitting a clay pigeon at a trap shoot, it’s seeing the comradery and joy of the participants from their shared experiences”.
Treasurer
Lee Ratcliff
Lee is a retired U.S. Army Combat Veteran who served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom in the global war on terrorism. Lee was a brilliant Logistics Chief Warrant Officer who still has a great talent of planning. He currently works as a Logistics Planner on Fort Knox and uses his talents of many years to better the Adaptive Sportsmen of Kentucky. He has been a highly active member of our organization for over 20 years. Lee finds great delight in planning events to benefit those who are less fortunate and being rewarded with the joy it has brought to the participants.
Outreach Coordinator
Bridget King
Bridget King began visiting the disabled events years ago as her dad, brother, and husband all volunteered. She quickly grew to love the group and the people in it. “It’s amazing to see an event unfold, people enjoying the outdoors and socializing with one another. Once you’ve witnessed it, it’s hard not to come back again and again.” Bridget, as a nurse and mother of five, naturally felt she should become involved and help those that are “differently abled” or in need of a little extra help. “The best part is witnessing people who thought they can’t, realize that they can, and it is very rewarding to be a part of that experience.” Bridget’s favorite place to help is serving in the food line or coordinating the stage at the great gun giveaway, so she doesn’t miss seeing anyone. Helping plan and coordinate events is enjoyable for Bridget as she gets to see the hard work and dedication of her team payoff for the disabled participants for which they serve. “It’s truly an honor to be part of this group, as this group is a bigger blessing to us than we could ever be to them.”
President
Daniel Cummins (Spanky)
Spanky has been involved in similar organizations for nearly thirty years, working when and where his calling led him. Many years ago, he would pack my his infant son to meetings and he is now is he is a college student who is about to turn twenty. “I am filled with joy to see those with different physical or mental challenges catch their first fish, harvest a deer or even shoot a shotgun for the first time. Often, I feel as though I am receiving more than our participants, many of which have become our extended family”.
Spanky strives to do his best at making the outdoors accessible to every individual, no matter their circumstances. It has been a pleasure having him serve as the first President of Adaptive Sportsmen of Kentucky, and we look forward to many more years of his leadership.
Vice President
Jacob Hutchins
Jacob Hutchins has been a part of this group for many years, since he was in in his early teens. It was his dad who met someone and learned about a deer management program for handicapped and disabled participants. He and his dad were moved by the mission of the organization and decided to volunteer at that next hunt, and he has never looked back. Over the years he has become very engaged with all the activities of the organization, attending and assisting with the planning of the other events and meetings; ultimately being nominated as the organizations Vice-President. Jacob has a strong background in 4-H shooting sports. Even though he aged out of the program, he stays committed and engaged with the youth as a certified trap coach. “Volunteering is very rewarding to me, whether it’s helping kids learn how to safely and properly use a firearm or helping someone who is handicapped/disabled get outdoors to go hunting and fishing”.