WEBSTER, Mass. - The New England Water Ski Collective continued its mission of giving back to those who've served and their families on Tuesday on Webster Lake.

“This is the best way that we can think of to say thank you to our veterans,” founder Ryan DesRoches said.

Welcoming water skiers of all abilities, including veteran Erich Zink, who served 24 years of active duty but said he hadn’t water skied in decades.

“I'm just amazed that I felt like I couldn't do this," Zink said. "And they encouraged me where, these folks all gave me the pointers and made me successful. I couldn't even believe I got up.”

By offering adaptive skiing, DesRoches said people are amazed by what they can achieve on the water when you give them a chance.

“Through our adaptive program and our other programs that we have at New England Water Ski, we can basically put anybody out on the water," DesRoches said. "It doesn't matter if they are injured due to a disability or if they have a cognitive issue.”

“I did the sit ski because I had multiple sclerosis, so I wasn't sure my ability," participant Anna Connors said. "But I'm telling you, this was the best thing ever. I can't say any anything bad about it at all. Everybody was so helpful. Being 72 years old, getting out there for the first time; just amazing."

While the third annual Veterans Water Ski ads to the list of events throughout the region, DesRoches said New England Water Ski Collective loves sharing the sport and making connections.

“If we can share our passion with it, show these veterans a good and fun time on the water, that's what we try and do," DesRoches said. "We really want to make this a community-based thing.”

“Our new mission is that we get to take care of ourselves," Zink said. "And that's what I really think is the best part of being here is we share that experience. And I always know these people from now. I made friends today.”