Adaptive Skiing Program Helps Make Skiing Accessible to Everyone

DULUTH, Minn.- Sam Mahoney was a snowboarder 7 years ago, before he sustained a tragic injury that stopped him from pursuing the sport he loved

“I never got back on the snow it’s something I always wanted to try,” said Mahoney.

But thanks to courage Kenney, Mahoney has the chance to hit the slopes, once again.

The Courage Kenney Nordic Ski camp helps athletes of all mobility and ability get outside and ski.

From Beginners to advanced, instructors and volunteers helped teach the skiers new skills

“We have the most amazing volunteers on the planet in the adaptive world, and they come out and they give their time, and they provide that passion and hand it on to other people, it’s just a beautiful thing to watch,” said Tara Gorman, the Program Coordinator for Courage Kenny.

This year, coaches from the Paralympics were there to help train people who could possibly become future Paralympians.

“We have been holding this camp for 14 years to promote healthy recreation and living,” said Gorman.

But it’s not just the athletes that enjoy the camp.

Volunteers say sharing their passion is something they love to do

“When you know you’ve given your passion to someone else, and they’re going to grab a hold of it and maybe take it to the next level is something, special enough it’s difficult to put into words,” said Gorman.