SHREWSBURY, Mass. - The Webster Water Ski Collective’s second annual Veterans Ski Day made an impact for people of all abilities.

Good weather made for great waterskiing conditions on Lake Quinsigamond on Wednesday.

"It's just icing on the cake,” Webster Water Sk adaptive skiing director Ryan DesRoches said.

The Webster Water Ski Collective recently hosted its second annual Veterans Ski Day.

“This is an extra special day for us to give thanks to our veterans that have given so much to our communities and to our country, to get them out in the water, feel the wind through their hair," DesRoches said. "Just give them something fun to do.”

A lot of people in attendance were either first time skiers or hadn’t been out on the water in a while, like Daniel Cloutier.

“Originally from Quebec, Canada. But I am a U.S. Navy veteran," Cloutier said. "It's been 40 years since I've done this. I'm like, ‘Wow’. I'm surprised I was able to do it in the first shot.”

That included Cloutier’s stepson Uris Mendez, who works with the state’s Executive Office of Veterans Services.

“First time skiing," Mendez said. "Thought was, 'Pay attention.' Second was, 'I think I'm going to fall in.' But third was, 'Trust the process. Trust the instructors.' They definitely know what they’re doing.”

The free event welcomed veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including both disabled and able-bodied participants.

“We're honored that we have the equipment to do both, the instructors to do both. We have a small army of volunteer skiers that are out here to try and give these veterans a really good time on the water and share the sport that we love," DesRoches said. "We're trying to make this event our kind of flagship event.”

As the Webster Water Ski Collective continues to grow with events throughout Central Mass. and the region, community members said the work they’re doing is important.

“I think it's really great that they are putting together a space for veterans to come and hang out," Mendez said. "Sometimes it can be hard relating to folks. So, being in a space with like-minded folks definitely encourages folks to come out.”

“This is perfect. We need this. We need to do more like this," Cloutier said. "No matter whether it's camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, whatever. We need to take care of veterans.”