Grants Awarded in September
ANDREW KURKA | PALMER, AK
In 2005 at the age of 13 Andrew suffered at spinal cord injury at the T10 level. Two years later, at 15, with the help of Challenge Alaska and his physical therapist he was able to adaptive ski. Andrew was an avid wrestler and competitor before his injury, with dreams to make it big in the Olympic circuit, and now with the help of the High Fives Foundation, and US Paralympics hes able to continue chasing my dream, on the snow.
Grant Details
- Winter Equipment $2475.00(2 pair of Volkl GS Skis, 2 pair of Volkl SL Skis 4 sets of Marker Bindings)
Total $2,475.00
JASMIN BAMBUR | GRANBY, CO
Jasmin was paralyzed in a car accident in 2000. He did not let his disability stop him and went on to finish college and became a professional athlete. Jasmin’s passion is alpine skiing. The only time he feels completely free from his wheelchair is when he is shredding down the slopes. He races all over the world and often gets up on the podium. Jasmin trains year round and wants to win GOLD in his 2nd Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
Grant Details
- Living Expense $1,560.00 (Utilities: $260/month for 6-mos.)
- Adaptive Equipment $4,700 (Aspen Seating for Mono Ski)
- Winter Equipment $3062.50 (Volkl SL, GS, SG, and DH Skis and 4 sets of Marker Bindings)
Total $9,322.50
BEN HULIN | SOUTH BEND, IN
Ben was injured September 24, 2006 in a motorcycle accident which left me with a T 5-6 complete Spinal Cord Injury. Ben spent 5 weeks in inpatient therapy and found wheelchair racing about 5 months after his injury. He soon found the mountains and the ability to ski and has not looked back. Skiing with his family, while challenging himself has been a blessing to Ben, and he cant wait to hit the slopes this winter.
Grant Details
- Travel ($500 to Athlete Account)
- Programs ($500 to Athlete Account)
Total $1,000.00
JOHN SUPON | ST. PETERSBURG, FL
John was paralyzed in a motor vehicle accident in 2006. He started skiing last season and competed at the national level while finishing top 10 in the U.S. John loves to compete in multiple Paralympic events that include monoskiing, rowing and weightlifting. John also works with local hospitals and veterans being a mentor for newly injured spinal cord injury patients. He completed his masters program and looks forward to being a recreational therapist and help other disabled athletes pursue their goals. Until then John is pursuing his goal of perfection of getting to the 2014 and 2016 Paralympics and bringing home a gold medal for the U.S.A.
Grant Details
- Winter Equipment $3,975 (2 Volkl SL Skis, 2 GS Skis, 2 SG Skis, 2 Speed Plates, 6 Pairs of Marker Bindings)
Total $3,975.00
CHRISTINE SLAVIN | IPSWICH, MA
Chris was born with a genetic disorder called Small Patella Syndrome, which affected the way her bones developed causing her to use braces and forearm crutches to get around. Despite Chris disability she has always been active in sports, and had a love for competition. In 2007, while competing in the adaptive division at USASA Nationals at Northstar in Tahoe, Chris crashed during a slopestyle event and sustained an L1 incomplete SCI. Within 9 months of her accident Chris began mono-skiing and currently has her sights set on the 2014 Paralympics.
Grant Details
- Adaptive Equipment $10,300.00 (Nissan Mono-Ski, Aspen Seating with custom straps and belt)
Total $10,300.00
GEOFF BROWN | VISTA, CA
After a diving accident on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef left me paralyzed at T4, I was flown home to Ireland but then discovered America thanks to the Veterans Games. I have pursued many sports in the great outdoors and now spend my winters working on my skills as a skier. By far my favorite sport!
Grant Details
- Adaptive Equipment $7,300 (Hoc 2 Edge Monoski and Superlite Outriggers)
Total $7,300
CHRIS JEFFERSON | GRAND JUNCTION, CO
Chris was living the good life at 27, then he was struck with numerous tragedies for two and a half years. Amongst these setbacks was a motorcycle accident that left Chris in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. However, Chris decided to made the decision to enjoy life despite tragedy. He has continued to keep his head up and move forward positively. Now today, Chris is trying out for the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team team with support from the High Fives Foundation!
Grant Details
- Living Expenses $3,900 (Grand Junction Rent, $650/month) for 6 mos.)
- Health – Vitamin Supplements $1,800 (Monthly Gifts Cards to City market for 6 mos. $300)
- Winter Equipment $700 (Super-Lite Outriggers $450, Ski Socks $100 and Under-layers $250)
Total $6,400.00
LUCAS GROSSI | MISSOULA, MT
Lucas lost his leg in a car accident in 1988. As a driven youngster, he learned how to skateboard 4 months before he learned how to walk again. He picked up the shred in 1992. In 2000, he organized the first adaptive snowboard freestyle camps and national competition in the world with USASA. Now he is an aspiring athlete for the 2014 Paralympic Games.
Grant Details
- Travel ($500 to Athlete Account)
- Programs ($500 to Athlete Account)
Total $1,000.00
