Mark "ANIMAL" Turner

 1999 World WaterSki Champion in Slalom, MP3 division                                 2000 National Overall Champion
Member of the 2001 US DisAbled WaterSki Team 

(photo use courtesy IWSF)

In his day to day life Mark looks much more mainstream than in this photo.  His hair is clean-cut, he doesn't wear nail polish.  This look has been his way to mentally prepare for a tournament.  You see most folks don't look at someone in a chair, nor someone with colored hair . . .  because they're uncomfortable.  Mark's in a chair with colored hair, you can't help but look.  His attitude isn't combative, it's empowering. When they do look it fortifies him to rise above.  This photo was taken in England at the '99 World Championships.  You bet he took a ribbing from the guys of other countries about his painted nails.  Mark was USA - all the way home with his individual  and TEAM Gold Medals!  That folks is TEAM spirit . . . evidently it worked:)

Surviving a challenge is something Mark knows of; he received a lifelong physical
challenge nine days after birth requiring use of a wheelchair.

Having met that challenge head on, Mark "ANIMAL" Turner is a two time world record holder, currently owning individual and team gold medals from the 1999 World DisAbled WaterSki Championships as reward for unrelenting effort.

The sharing of his story is empowering.  It is a story of human pain and triumph.
It is a reminder that there is an Animal in us all, struggling for freedom
of life itself.  A gentle reminder that we have triumphed, by yet another day of living.

As the Animal within the art seems to have created its own handle from itself, so Mark created within himself his own handle of life, on life.  Mark's handle is a waterSki handle, interestingly enough so is art Animal's.

WaterSkiing grants freedom, creates equality, and is a major rush.
WaterSkiing releases the inner animal, oneself, goals, and dreams; because
no matter your ability, you are "walking on water"!

Remember, you're invited to support our WaterSki/Disability Awareness Program
as presented by "ANIMAL" through his graphic art and by delivering motivational speeches from his wheelchair about surviving life's challenges.  Click keneva@keneva.com if you're interested in Mark visiting your school, organization, television station/show, radio show, magazine headquarters, or corporate office.

You may further support our program by purchasing ANIMAL GEAR, (a percentage of all profits are donated to the WaterSkiers with Disabilities Association (WSDA) for research & development).  You may donate directly to our program, you may donate directly to WSDA through the national governing body for the sport, USA WaterSki, www.usawaterSki.org you may donate internationally through International Water Ski Federation (IWSF) www.iwsf.com.  Please (and thanks) be sure to mention your donation is for waterSkiers with disabilities, and that KeNevA sent you.