On July 30–31, High Fives Foundation and Access Unlimited brought nine athletes together in Narragansett, Rhode Island, for two days centered around adaptive fishing, community, and time on the water. With seven boats ready to go, the group started early, hitting the water around 5:55 a.m. The early wake-up was worth it. Conditions lined up perfectly, the weather cooperated, and every athlete caught fish as the boats made their way toward Block Island.
The day included friendly fishing competitions, plenty of laughs, and the opportunity to experience the history and beauty of Block Island Sound. More than the number of fish caught, the trip was about giving athletes the chance to share an experience together and build connections through the outdoors.
“Everyone caught fish, we had some fun competitions, and getting out to Block Island with all of its history made the experience even more special. The weather was perfect, the fishing was great, and honestly, the trip couldn’t have gone any better.”
— Jesse Alberi, Access Unlimited Program Manager
The Rhode Island experience extended well beyond the boats. The group spent time together at Carol’s house, enjoyed a trip to the gun range, and came together for the Rhode Island Community & Conversation event.
High Fives Athlete Brierley brought incredible energy throughout the trip, becoming the group’s unofficial hype person and helping make every part of the experience fun. Nick Fairall’s experience and comfort around firearms also made him a valuable presence.
The group included veterans and athletes from different backgrounds, but laughter quickly became a common language. Those simple moments, joking around, sharing stories, trying something new, and supporting one another, are a reminder that healing can happen in many different ways.
The Community & Conversation evening added another layer to an already memorable trip. As the rain finally let up, athletes, supporters, and members of the Rhode Island community gathered over lobster, oysters, clams, and fresh yellowfin tuna caught earlier in the week. Vacuum-sealed packages of fresh fish were even prepared as thank-you gifts, bringing a piece of the experience home with the people who helped make it possible.
The trip was made possible through Access Unlimited, creating opportunities for individuals with life-changing injuries to experience fishing, outdoor recreation, and the community that comes with it.
9 athletes. 7 boats. Everyone caught fish. One unforgettable Rhode Island experience.
