Adaptive clinic helps bring water skiing to all
There were plenty of smiles at a one-day clinic for adaptive water skiing in Central Alberta this week.
Nicholas Gates lives with cerebral palsy. His mother, Kelly Gates, said the last two and a half years have been tough for her son, who has had limited interactions, and outdoor activity, due to the pandemic.
“We’ve been stuck in the house for the last two years, him especially, being in a group home, and now we want to bring him back out to the community and get him outside to have some fun.”
So, when she heard about the “Give it a Go” day held by the Water Ski and Wake Alberta, she jumped on the opportunity.
“It’s not only confidence they gain, but it’s a whole new lifestyle. They get to meet everybody and try something new,” said Gates.
The one-day clinic introduces people with disabilities to adaptive water skiing. Gates said it was difficult to describe the emotions she felt when she saw her son gliding on the water.
“I just felt elated. It’s heartwarming,” said Gates.
“For him, it’s an experience he will talk about for the rest of his life.”
The clinic’s coordinator, Rae-Lee Colcleugh, said she was inspired to start “Give it a Go” day after working with the national adaptive water ski team.
“It’s basically us sharing our passion for water skiing with the people that otherwise wouldn’t be able to do it,” said Colcleugh.
Joshua Corcoran attended the clinic, but it wasn’t his first time on the water. He’s been to countless adaptive water ski clinics, and he said he can’t get enough of them.
“To be able to jump in the water like that and have a fun ski with some pretty great people is always something I look forward too every time I come to one of these clinics,” said Corcoran.
The clinic’s coach Sean Asam and his son Nick Asam, who lives with cerebral palsy, have been water skiing together for 18 years. He said adaptive water skiing gave his son confidence growing up, something he wants to share with others.
“I think what it does too for a lot of people is the next sport they do after they water ski, might not be water skiing, but they all of a sudden start trying other things, and that’s the thing that I like to see.”
Sean said it is thrilling for the skiers, but is also extremely emotional for their families.
“We see a lot of parents change because of that, and that’s really great to see,” said Sean.
For more information about future adaptive water skiing clinics, visit the organization's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.