Our 2025 High Fives Athlete of the Year, Ryan McLaren, is taking his next big step…running for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. View his website HERE. Ryan’s story is one we know well at High Fives Foundation: set a goal, do the work, and keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. His run for Lieutenant Governor … Read more
A snapshot of the athletes who make up our community. Behind every grant, camp, and high five is a unique athlete story but when you zoom out, some pretty fun patterns start to appear. Here’s a look at a few standout stats from the High Fives Foundation athlete database that highlight just how connected this … Read more
Athlete #905 Patricia Fonstad Arcade Belt Goal: I will be able to ride the Trans Canada Trail (aka The Legacy Trail) from Canmore to Banff townsite and back There are many different stages of enjoyment that come through both our High Fives Empowerment Fund and Arcade Belt Goal program, and they are closely intertwined. It … Read more
On August 28–29, two High Fives Athletes — Brian Noonan and Alina Petrik — took to the water for our first-ever adaptive rafting camp on the South Fork of the American River. Hosted by ETC River Camp / Environmental Traveling Companions, this two-day adventure was all about pushing limits, soaking up sunshine, and riding some … Read more
High Fives Athlete #283, Alex Uppenkamp, has turned a life-changing injury into a journey of resilience and rediscovery. Just before leaving for college at Humboldt State University, Alex attempted a 30-foot step-up jump on his mountain bike in San Diego. He overshot, went over the handlebars, and sustained a C3 complete spinal cord injury. With … Read more
From July 8–11, 2025, twelve adaptive athletes gathered in Leadville, Colorado, for an unforgettable ride. Hosted at the Leadville Motocross Park, Motodemption—a nonprofit in partnership with the High Fives Foundation—pushed limits, rewrote narratives, and revved engines with purpose. Motodemption is more than a motocross camp. It’s a movement built around redemption through motion—welcoming riders who … Read more
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, High Fives Foundation and Sky Tavern Bike Park teamed up to host the first-ever community Bike-A-Thon, a full day of trail riding, fundraising, and celebration in support of inclusive outdoor recreation. Held at the iconic Sky Tavern Bike Park in Reno, Nevada, the event brought together 44 participants, including five … Read more
Camp RennerVation and High Fives Foundation teamed up for an unforgettable day of adaptive wakesurfing and waterside stoke! From first-time surfers to returning riders, athletes were all smiles as they carved waves, built confidence, and soaked up the summer sun. Jeremy Renner even joined us! Huge thanks to the RennerVation team for making it possible … Read more
A Celebration of Community, Creativity & Resilience The 2025 Reign Supreme Art Show brought together over 100 original 12″x12″ pieces created by local artists, athletes, and community members—all inspired by the powerful themes of resilience and creativity. Held in partnership with Riverside Studios and Truckee Tahoe Lumber Co., the annual show honors the legacy of … Read more
Driven to Give! We’re fired up to be Glenwood Springs Ford’s Community Partner of the Month this August! Through their incredible Community Partners Giving Program, Glenwood Springs Ford is matching donations made to Return to Dirt up to $2,500, meaning your support goes twice as far in helping adaptive athletes access the backcountry on custom … Read more
