with ONE hand !

       on ONE leg !

  Totally blind !

  I'm on the US DisAbledWater Ski TEAM! 

Here we are in a land down under:)

           We set 2 World Records, earned 13 Individual Gold Medals, 13 Silver, 10 Bronze Medals and the TEAM Silver!!

                Aren't you proud of me?"

Think you've seen some sporting events (including pro anything) that exhibit the phenomenal athleticism or tenacity of a human?  Well, unless you've seen a World DisAbled WaterSki Championship you haven't seen anything yet!

You'll see the same fierce competition and determination as with other, even able bodied, International or pro athletes; but you'll also find a camaraderie among the athletes that's unparalleled elsewhere.  You'll see extra equipment laying about, things you don't necessarily need to become a World Champion waterSkier . . . arms, legs, guide dog, wheelchairs, etc.  

One might think, "poor things, this or that doesn't function", but you know what? That's not how they look at life.  Perhaps because of their life altering experiences, these athletes have learned, and model, The Secret of Life.

They're not in your face with what they've learned, they simply live their lives.  By watching, listening, interacting, you are affected. At the Worlds you witness incredible athletic performances and meet phenomenal human beings who inspire you just by being themselves.

(By the way, The Secret of Life is ten words long, two letters per word.)

The tough part isn't the physical challenge, for most believe their personal growth and awareness was well worth the trauma over which they had no control.  The tough part, the part about which you should feel bad is that America doesn't support them. Frankly, most of America doesn't know they exist:(

Now that you're enlightened, what will you do?  Will you do what you can to see them honored by public officials and recognized by the media?  Do you know someone with a disability?  Do you know someone, who knows someone with a disability?  An able bodied person can not have more fun on the water than a person with a disability.  You do realize that you, me, every able bodied person, is just a heartbeat away from having an unexpected lifelong physical challenge.

So, at minimum, spread the word!  Get more people on the water Skiing, or at least thinking about it:)   By the way, The Secret of Life . . . "If it is to be, it is up to me"!  It is up to me to be happy with the one life I have.  It is up to me to make the best of my circumstances, whatever they may be.  It is up to me to make my human existence count for more than the census:)  It is up to me to make my dreams come true.  Yep, if it is to be . . . it is up to me! 

LastUpdated08/09/01