Berkeley resident living with quadriplegia skied the X Games Superpipe with grant from Tahoe-based non-profit

The High Fives Foundation sent Tony Schmiesing to Aspen with a board-approved Empowerment Grant

The High Fives Foundation is awarding Tony Schmiesing a board-approved Empowerment Grant of $4,996 in support of Schmiesing’s goal to attend X Games Aspen and ski the superpipe.

A C4-5 quadriplegic as the result of the spinal cord injury suffered at a beach where he grew up, and currently battling Syringmyelia, Schmiesing’s tenacious surf/skate/ski DNA has pushed him through many obstacles. He has worked with the High Fives Foundation since 2010, and he has had a series of goals within the winter sports community. Schmiesing accomplishes every goal that he sets, and he does it with a smile and a positive attitude.

“High Fives has helped me move closer to my goal of endless stoke, with dizzying love and continued support,” said Schmiesing.

“It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Tony,” said Roy Tuscany, High Fives Foundation Executive Director. “Tony and other High Fives Athletes have proven to themselves that the time and effort they put in pays off in their road to recovery.”

The High Fives Foundation supports injured mountain sports athletes through grant funding to be used towards reaching their recovery goals. Since the High Fives Foundation’s January 2009 inception, the Empowerment program service has assisted 104 athletes from 22 states in nine respective funding categories which include: living expenses, insurance, travel, health, healing network, adaptive equipment, winter equipment, programs and “stoke” (positive energy, outlook and attitude).

In Quarter 1 of 2016 the High Fives Foundation disbursed $91,509 in board-approved grants to 19 athletes in 9 states.

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About the High Fives Foundation: The High Fives Foundation is a Tahoe-based, national 501.c.3 non-profit organization. The High Fives Foundation supports the dreams of mountain action sports athletes by raising injury prevention awareness while providing resources and inspiration to those who suffer life-altering injuries. Formed as a way to “pay-it-forward” by the founder from his own recovery to help injured athletes, the Foundation has helped 104 athletes to date since its inception in 2009. For more information visit www.highfivesfoundation.org