28th USA-AWSWS NationalsTitle Sponsor

USA-AWSWS Announces the Barbara Bolding/Jim Grew Fund as Title Sponsor for the 28th USA Adaptive Water Ski National Championships

CENTER CITY, MN (April 30, 2026) – USA Adaptive Water Ski and Wake Sports, Inc. (USA-AWSWS) is honored to announce that the Barbara Bolding/Jim Grew Fund has committed as the Title Sponsor for the 28th USA Adaptive Water Ski National Championships. This premier event will take place August 13–16, 2026, in Minnesota, bringing together the nation's top adaptive athletes following a historic year of record-breaking performances.

A Legacy of Support and "Dare to Soar"

The Barbara Bolding/Jim Grew Fund was established in memory of Barbara Bolding, a skilled pen and ink artist who passed away in 1992 after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Introduced to adaptive water skiing by her fiancé, Jim Grew, Barbara felt a deep affinity for the athletes’ resilience and the cohesive community that embraced her like family.

The fund’s title sponsorship continues a long tradition of support that includes the prestigious Barbara Bolding/Jim Grew Perpetual Trophy. This award, with the motto "Dare to Soar," is presented to the youngest athlete placing first overall at the National Championships to encourage lifelong passion for the sport.

Building on Unprecedented Momentum

The 28th National Championships arrives as the sport experiences a surge in elite achievement. During the 2025 season, US athletes set a series of new national and world records, many of which were established during international competition in Mulwala, Australia. Key 2025 record-setters include:

• Abigayle Dunn (Women’s MP3): Set a new World Tricks record of 1560

• Elisha Nelson (Women’s A2): Set a new World Slalom record of 2.00/55/18.25.

• Connor Poggetto (Men’s MP5): Set a new World Jump record of 28.5M (94’).

• Jana Shelfer (Women’s MP2): Set new World Tricks record (1340) and new National benchmarks in Slalom (2.00/52/18.25 In) and Jump (13.2M/43’).

• Noah Smith (Men’s MP1): Set a new World Tricks record of 920.

• Cam Delligatti (Men’s A2): Established a new National Tricks record of 2140.

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available

While we are thrilled to have the Barbara Bolding/Jim Grew Fund as our Title Sponsor, USA-AWSWS is seeking additional partners to help make this year's championships a world-class experience for all participants. Sponsorship opportunities are available at the following levels:

• Platinum: $5,000

• Gold: $3,000

• Silver: $2,000

• Bronze: $1,000

• Supporter: $250

"We are profoundly grateful for Jim’s continued dedication to our water ski family," said Craig Timm, President of USA-AWSWS. "The support of our partners ensures a world-class experience for our athletes and allows us to continue the 'Dare to Soar' legacy that inspires us all."

Organizations or individuals interested in supporting the 28th USA Adaptive Water Ski National Championships are encouraged to contact Craig Timm at wsdadirector@gmail.com for more details and a full sponsorship benefits package.

About USA-AWSWS

USA Adaptive Water Ski and Wake Sports, Inc. (USA-AWSWS) is a sport discipline of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports, dedicated to providing competitive and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.