MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Adaptive skiing has made its way to Marquette mountain. Disabled veterans have the opportunity to go skiing on March 9th and 10th in Marquette, thanks to the Colorado-based nonprofit, Adaptive Adventures. “We’ll come and bring that equipment and help people fit to figure out how it goes. Just the skiing alone lets you go outside and be outside,” said Sports Lead Chris Werhane.
Marquette Mountain hosted the adaptive adventure team today, a nonprofit company that continues to provide sports opportunities for people with disabilities. Today they served the veteran community of the U.P. “It was amazing the wind in my eyes and just having the tears drop down because that was the wind blowing, I even forgot to put my goggles on it was amazing I felt young again,” said Dee Paoli.
The Adaptive Adventure nonprofit works closely with the V.A. and gave the U.P. veteran community a day to remember on the slopes.
Paoli is a veteran who served with the U.S. coast guard, she commented that since an injury she sustained during service, she hasn’t been able to ski. “Just being relieved at that moment from the different pain that goes on it’s a blessing but you gotta grab it,” continued Paoli.
Adaptive Adventures is able to offer specialized equipment and or trainers to help athletes with disabilities. Along with officials from Marquette Mountain and volunteers from the area, Dee was able to enjoy a new way to shred the slopes. “The bike is a different way to do it and gives me the same experience the same thrill,” said Paoli.
For more information on the events with the Adaptive Adventure team, click here.
