Day 4 Snowboarding The Sun Came Out And Met The Fine Folks at challenge Alaska!

Day 4 of snowboarding was a dream come true. The sun came out and it was a beautiful day to be on the slopes. I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people at Challenge Alaska, a non-profit organization that provides adaptive sports opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. It was truly inspiring to see the determination and joy on the faces of the athletes as they shredded the mountain.

We started the day at Alyeska Resort, a premier ski and snowboard destination in Alaska. The resort is located in Girdwood, a small town about 40 miles south of Anchorage. It boasts over 1,400 skiable acres, the longest continuous double black diamond run in North America, and an average of over 600 inches of snowfall per year. It's no wonder why this resort is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly staff at Challenge Alaska. They were excited to show us around and introduce us to some of their athletes. We were given a tour of the adaptive equipment they had available and were amazed at the level of innovation and technology that had gone into creating the equipment. From sit-skis to handcycles, they had it all.

We were then introduced to a group of athletes who were going to be joining us on the mountain. They were a diverse group of individuals with a range of physical disabilities. I met multiple individuals throughout the day. Some were veterans, some were born with their disabilities, and some had acquired them through accidents or illnesses. But despite their differences, they all had one thing in common - a love for speed.

We finally reached the top of the mountain and it was time to shred. The athletes were given their equipment and we all took off down the mountain. The sun was shining and the snow was perfect. It was a beautiful day to be on the slopes.

As we rode down the mountain, I couldn't help but be in awe of the athletes. They were so skilled and fearless. They were not held back from their enjoyment by their disabilities and were able to shred the mountain just like anyone else. They were truly an inspiration to me and I couldn't help but be moved by their determination and courage.

As we reached the bottom of the mountain, the athletes were all smiles. Some of them had accomplished something they never thought were possible and they were proud of themselves. It was a truly special moment to be a part of and it made me realize how important adaptive sports are for individuals with physical disabilities.