The smiles are obvious as the wind races past the goggles and fleece
of the overjoyed skiers and snowboarders. The riders glide effortlessly
atop the snow at Durango Mountain Resort as volunteers keep a
protective eye on their students. The folks at the Adaptive Sports
Association thrive on providing a positive ski environment and teaching
the fundamental skills of the sport to people with disabilities. In
addiiton, the program also helps increase self-esteem and provide a
positive body image for its students. The Adaptive Sports Association
was founded in 1983 by Dave Spencer and has grown to include
more than 200 volunteers who generously contribute more than
15,000 hours each year. To volunteer or to donate funds, please call
the Adaptive Sports Association at 385-2163.
Hanna Martens, 8, a Unified Partner with the Special Olympics, volunteers her time to
ski with a disabled partner throughout the winter.
Richard Siegele gets a smooth ride down the hill as volunteer
Pickle Herring controls his speed.
Adaptive Sports volunteers mingle at
the base as skiers get their gear ready.
Adaptive Sports volunteers and skiers
load the Columbine lift on Saturday.
Pickle Herring, left, and Will Harjes get Richard Siegele
comfortable on his ride up the hill.
Whit Mir gets his
gloves on as he prepares
to get on the
mountain below the
Graduate lift.
Joe Miller, skiing solo, perfects his skills
during his 10th day on the mountain.
Saturday provided a picture perfect day
for all trail users at DMR.
Joe Miller, left, waits with Lynn, Chuck and 10 year-old Cole Martens at the top of the
Nastar Race Course as a skier begins the descent.
Whit Mir, left, and Adaptive Sports snowboard instructor Brett Rickerman ride up the Graduate Lift at Durango Mountain Resort last
weekend. / Photo by Todd Newcomer.
