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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.