The First Annual Blood, Sweat, Toil and Triumph Run-Boat Biathlon was held Nov. 12 at the Georgetown waterfront in Washington, D.C., and sponsored by Team River Runner and DS/USA.

The event brought together patients from Walter Reed, members of their family, their friends, staffers from Walter Reed, the volunteers of Team River Runner, and the run/kayak competitors – many of whom had served in the military – for a Veterans Day commemoration.

There were 11 individual racers and 12 teams of two distributed in adaptive and non-adaptive categories.

Every Blood, Sweat, Toil and Triumph entrant who entered 10 days in advance of the race had the opportunity to race with a commemorative dog tag inscribed with the name of a loved one for whom they were dedicating their effort.

The 2006 Blood, Sweat, Toil and Triumph Run-Boat Biathlon is set for Sunday, November 12th, to be held again at the Washington Canoe Club. Team River Runner invites all DS/USA chapters to send athletes.

Courtesy of Team River Runner
"I Did It For Him," Amanda and Tim Maguire	Casey Owens visiting with Mark Kasel

The seventh annual Endeavor Games will be June 8-11, 2006, at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), Edmond, OK. Novice and elite athletes of all ages with physical disabilities will compete in 10 different sports, including archery, basketball, boccia, powerlifting, shooting, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and track and field.

Along with the competitions, attendees can participate in clinics in archery, cycling, sitting volleyball, and tennis presented in conjunction with BlazeSports America, Disabled Sports USA, Paralympic Academy, and U.S. Paralympics. There will also be an Emerging Athletes Throwing Clinic presented by the National Paralympic Throwing Team.

For more information on participating in the Endeavor Games, or clinics, contact Shelly Ramsey at 405-974-3151, or sramsey2@ucok.edu.

Campouts at Donner Lake

A variety of watersports are offered from DS/USA Far West, Truckee, Calif., including water skiing, whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River, sailing, and family campouts at Donner Lake.  For more information visit www.dsusafw.org, or call 530-581-4161.

Kayak Adventure Fundraiser For Northeast Passage

Northeast Passage staff member, Cara Carr talks to participant Denise Roy before transferring to the kayak.

The second annual Point Paddle benefit for Northeast Passage will be held June 25 - 26, 2006, in Freeport, Maine. This two-day adventure includes camping, kayaking, and an oceanside lobster bake. Participants will enjoy recreation and relaxation while raising money and awareness for Northeast Passage’s adapted sports programs. Each paddler is asked to secure pledges or donations.

Northeast Passage offers sports from entry-level instruction to ongoing recreation and competitive sports, including water skiing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, skiing, and scuba.

For more information on Point Paddle, or any of Northeast Passage’s programs, call 603-862-0070 or email keely.ames@unh.edu or visit www.nepassage.org.

Paddling Around Baltimore

Baltimore Adapted Recreation and Sports (BARS) offers canoeing and kayaking programs.

Flatwater canoeing takes place at Edin Mill Nature Center in Hartford County. No prior experience is required, and if needed, paddlers will be provided. This is a great way for family and friends to participate in a group activity.

Kayaking takes place on the Gunpowder River, which offers the opportunity to observe blue herons, ospreys, and bald eagles. For more information about activities, contact BARS at 410-771-4606, or visit www.barsinfo.org.

Sun Valley Adaptive Sports Names New Executive Director

Tom Iselin was recently named executive director at Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, Ketchum, Idaho. Tom became involved in disabled sports after a 2001 dirt bike accident in Alaska left him seriously injured. The incident inspired Tom to redirect all his energy and business experience to the nonprofit sector. Since then he has been involved in the development of the Sundt Memorial Foundation, DrugFreeWave, and The Blaine County Hunger Coalition.

Tom has lived in Sun Valley for 11 years. His goal is to create rehabilitation programs that are fun, healthy, and make a lifelong impact. Tom recently launched a new program called Dreams Come True, a need-based program focusing on sports and recreation goals and aspirations of disabled veterans. When not working, Tom enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and fly-fishing.

Water Fun at the National Ability Center

The National Ability Center offers several water sports throughout the year including water skiing, swimming, canoeing and whitewater rafting.

Water Skiing: The water skiing program is offered in one-day outings or multiple day trips throughout the summer months. The outings are offered at Jordanelle Reservoir in picturesque Park City, Utah, and multi-days are at various locations including Flaming Gorge, Utah. On an outing, an individual will participate in a one-hour lesson. The day can include water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, tubing, water rides, fishing, swimming, and other beach activities.

Swimming: The swimming program, designed for beginning and intermediate swimmers, takes place year-round and indoors. With the help of volunteers and certified water safety instructors, we are able to provide quality and affordable swimming lessons and any necessary adaptive equipment. The goals of this program are to develop swimming skills and to ensure that the participant is “water safe.” During the Summer Sessions, individuals may also participate in a one-hour, two days a week Water Aerobics class. Or, an “Introduction to Water” class is also offered. This class is designed for those that have never been swimming or have had little to no experience with any water activities.

Whitewater Rafting: Trips are offered on either the Snake River, originating from Jackson Hole, Wyo., or the Green River, with a base camp at the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area.

Canoeing: Lessons are offered for beginning and intermediate paddlers from June through October. The program is operated out of the Rock Cliff Recreation area at Jordanelle Reservoir; other locations are available based on group needs and customer request.

For more information on any of these programs, or to receive a specific schedule and price list, please visit www.nac1985.org or call 435-649-3991.

19th Annual Huntsman Cup Reaches the Finish

Over 90 competitors from countries across the world converged upon Park City, Utah, in early January for the National Ability Center’s Huntsman Cup disabled alpine ski race.

With racers of varying abilities competing for the fastest times of the week in slalom and giant slalom events at Park City Mountain Resort, two new winners were awarded the Best Overall Male and Female trophies this year. For the women, seasoned veteran Reinhold Muller, who skis for Germany, but currently resides in California, took the top honors. Brad Washburn, a newcomer from Colorado, took the men’s title.

RACE RESULTS – FEMALE
Slalom
Sitting - Stephani Victor, Ricci Kolgore 2:10.06 3:30.10
Standing - Lina Johansson, Sandy Dukat 1:48.60 1:55.48
Visually Impaired - Kathleen Forestell 2:17.17
Giant Slalom
Sitting - Laurie Stephens, Stephani Victor 2:03.31 2:07.82
Standing - Reinhild Muller, Allison Jones 2:00.20 2:00.80
Visually Impaired - Kathleen Forestell 2:31.63

RACE RESULTS – MALE
Slalom
Sitting - Tyler Walker, Carl Burnett 1:45.54 1:51.17
Standing - Brad Washburn, Miles Cooke 1:41.95 1:42.05
Giant Slalom
Sitting - Christopher Devlin-Young, Tyler Walker 1:52.02 1:56.00
Standing - Camero Rahls-Rahbula, Clay Timothy Fox 1:50.65 1:53.29

Swimming with STRIDE

STRIDE, Rensselear, N.Y., offers swimming programs designed for participants to play or to have individual swimming instruction. Instructional swimming is offered at the YMCA, East Greenbush. Sessions are 10 weeks long and there are four sessions per year. Contact Winn Huntley 518-272-5715, or email winn@aol.com. STRIDE’s second swim program is at the Pittsfield YMCAS in the Berkshires of Massachusetts under the direction of Mindy Dixon at 413-458-3014, or email mdixon@bhsl.org. This program runs spring and fall, each for 10 weeks. For information on these and other programs visit www.stride.com.

Eight Days on Lake Powell

The Adaptive Sports Association, Durango, Colorado, offers day trips including whitewater rafting, flatwater canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and much more. An eight-day trip is slated for late August on Lake Powell, with an option to water ski. Activities are open to all ages and all abilities; family and friends are encouraged to participate. Adaptive equipment is provided. Advanced reservations are required, and prices vary depending on activity. For more information, contact Scott “Griz” Kelley, 970-259-0374, visit www.asadurango.com, or email info@asadurango.org.

Challenge Alaska
Water Sports Symposium

Challenge Alaska, Inc. Anchorage, offers the only adaptive water sports symposium in the state of Alaska. This year’s event will be hosted by the Palmer Area Elks Lodge, which is located on Finger Lake. This two-day event focuses on adaptive water skiing, but also offers adaptive canoeing and kayaking clinics, as well as food and refreshments.

For more information, contact Brian Albright, CTRS at (907) 344-7362, or visit www.challengealaska.org.

ASC Crested Butte Announces Summer Programs, Wellness Retreat

Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) of Crested Butte, Colo., has a full calendar of events planned for the summer season with group and individual activities. Call ASC at 970-349-2296 for more information on these programs:

June 10 – Group and individual downhill mountain biking, hand cycling, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and camping, all in the heart of the pristine Rocky Mountains.

June 17-23 – The ASC team will spend six to seven days pedaling through Colorado’s breathtaking mountain scenery during “Ride the Rockies,” an annual bicycle tour that takes 2,000 cyclists on paved roads through the state.

August 19-20 – A backcountry cycling clinic in a spectacular mountain setting. The trip will include delicious meals on the trail and a BBQ at the ASC Wilderness Camp. Participants will also have a chance to check out the latest in adaptive cycle technology.

September 7-10 – The Second Annual Adaptive Sports Center Mountain Wellness Retreat takes place in Crested Butte, Colorado. Participants will enjoy a weekend of relaxation and healing in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Activities include yoga, massage, meditation and outdoor recreation. Nutritious, organic meals included.

September – The ASC heads south for its annual ski trip to the Patagonia region of Argentina. Participants will travel to San Martin de Los Andes to experience the area’s colorful culture and world-famous mountains. This trip is designed for people with disabilities and their companions who are looking for world travel and adventure.

Utah Water Fun

Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, East Logan, Utah, provides outdoor recreational opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities in Northern Utah. Water sports include swimming, canoeing, whitewater rafting trips of varying lengths, sea and whitewater kayaking, and water skiing. For more information about activities visit www.cgadventures.org or contact us at 435-713-0288 or vista@cgadventures.org.

Eagle Mount- Bozeman Cycling Program

With the 2006 cycling season swiftly approaching, Eagle Mount – Bozeman, Montana, is expanding its adaptive cycling program. Two offerings are available: one-hour rides scheduled twice a week and longer destination rides. The spring cycling schedule is posted online at www.eaglemount.org.

Eagle Mount will offer its “2006 Bikin’ with the Eagles” tour, June 10, 2006, with the first event beginning at 8 a.m.  The tour will feature three different route lengths to accommodate all cycling abilities. Traditional, tandem, hand, and recumbent cyclists are welcome to join in the fun! The proceeds raised at this event will help support the expansion of the adaptive cycling program and other summer programs. Prizes will be awarded for highest cash donations raised (male and female) and a post-race BBQ and race number tag drawing will be held.

Event details and registration information is available on-line at www.eaglemount.org or by calling
406-586-1781. Early registration deadline is June 1.

CORRECTION: In the Fall 2005 issue of Challenge, photos of the horseback riders on pages 31 and 32 were courtesy of Eagle Mount Billings. For more information on horseback riding and other Eagle Mount Billings programs, visit www.eaglemountbillings.org.

The Adaptive Aqua Experience

Adaptive Adventures offers the Adaptive Aqua Experience, a comprehensive multi-region program that includes offering program opportunities in fishing, kayaking, rafting, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and adventure trips. The program provides services to individuals and groups, as well as nonprofit and community partners.

Featured events include: The Lake Powell Experience – a week long water sports extravaganza in southern Utah based on a 68-foot houseboat; the Chicago Kayak program running six months a year; three multi-day water ski/wakeboard festivals across Colorado; and a four-day wilderness rafting trip in Utah and Colorado. Plus, Adaptive Adventures multi-day “Stars of Tomorrow” youth camps offer children the opportunity to water ski as well as participate in fishing, swimming, kayaking, and other outdoor activities each summer.

Like all Adaptive Adventures programs, these activities are available to children and adults with physical disabilities, as well as their friends and families.

For more information on Adaptive Adventures, visit www.adaptiveadventures.org or call 877-679-2770.

Alpine Alternatives Offering Camp Abilities This Summer

Alpine Alternatives will once again offer its Camp Abilities for blind and visually-impaired youth ages 9 to 19. The camp will take place July 9 through 15, 2006, at Meier Lake (located outside Wasilla), Alaska.

The camp will offer a variety of activities including beep baseball, goal ball, tandem biking, track and field, aquatics, adapted hiking, rock climbing, archery, and canoeing in the evenings. For more information and to register, please call Alpine Alternatives, Inc. at
907-561-6655 or by email at alpine4kids@ak.net.

Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center Names Bruce Fitch Executive Director

Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC), Breckenridge, Colo., has named Bruce Fitch as its new Executive Director. Fitch began his career as an Outward Bound School instructor in 1977 and worked in a variety of positions with the organization over the past 28 years, including executive director, and most recently, president.

He lives in Frisco, Colo., with his wife, Gini Bradley, a former BOEC Ski Director, and their two children.

The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center provides activities for people of all abilities. The organization offers top quality wilderness programs, leadership development and adaptive skiing, and riding learning experiences for youth and adults with disabilities and special needs. For more information, please call
970-453-6422, or visit www.boec.org.

15th Annual Water Sports Day Slated

Hosted By SPorts, Arts, and Recreation of Chattanooga (SPARC)

SPorts, Arts, and Recreation of Chattanooga (SPARC), plans to host its 15th annual Water Sports Day, July 15, at the First Lutheran Church Camp on Lake Chickamauga backwater of the Tennessee River. This event, like the previous ones, will offer both adaptive and stand-up water skiing, jet-ski rides, tube rides, and kayaking for disabled and able-bodied individuals from the Chattanooga area.

Water ski instruction is also offered at Water Sports Day and equipment is available for wheelchair tennis, racing, and basketball, handcycling, kayaking, and canoeing.

More than 130 people attended last year’s event including 26 first-time and experienced adaptive water skiers, along with their families, friends, and SPARC volunteers.

Adaptive water ski instruction was directed by Phil Martin of Macon, Georgia, founder of Adaptive Aquatics, Inc. Martin introduced SPARC members to adaptive water skiing in 1992, and has continued to provide his expertise every year at the event.

The first-time skiers included nine-year-old William Hailes of Chattanooga, whose radiant smile, joyous screams, and proud waving of his arms made the day exciting for all of the volunteers.

One of the experienced skiers, Stephanie Dodd, also enjoyed the event. Stephanie, who received her first adaptive water skiing instruction at a SPARC water ski clinic, has now advanced to national recognition by becoming a two-time winner of the Trick Skiing Division at the U.S. Disabled Water Ski Nationals. Stephanie spends each year on the water in training for competition; however, she still enjoys skiing with SPARC when she has the opportunity.

The success of SPARC’s Water Sports Day is due to the many volunteers who assist with all of the activities. It is just as exciting for them as it is for the participants. In fact, since this event is held the same Saturday every year, many volunteers arrange their vacations around the ski clinic. One of the volunteers was Robert Fox, who worked at SPARC’s Water Sports Day several times with his father before joining the U.S. Army. He recently returned to the U.S. following service in Iraq. Robert took a day of vacation from his job to volunteer at this SPARC event, because, he said, “My Army service helped me realize how important it is to help others whenever I could, and I believe that this event is a good way of meeting that goal.”

Training programs are scheduled seasonally according to interest and the availability of volunteers. Persons interested in learning more about SPARC or becoming a member, should email: Debbie at jhightower@ctienviron.com, or phone 423-843-1010.