Skiers with disabilities benefit from new adaptive equipment
Moving Mountains volunteers help 13-year-old Adam Nehring during a run down the slopes.
Grant reflects Enbridge’s commitment to Michigan community
March 23, 2022
Students with disabilities who participate in an adaptive skiing program recently received new equipment, funded by an Enbridge community investment grant.
Enbridge donated $22,000 to Moving Mountains. Based in Dickinson County, the nonprofit organization has instructors trained to support those with disabilities throughout the region learn to ski and anticipates completing more than 100 lessons with nearly 60 students this year.
Thirteen-year-old Adam Nehring, who has cerebral palsy and is part of the Moving Mountains program, has been skiing for two years. The new equipment has increased his independence when turning his skis.
“I wouldn’t be able to have the endurance to stand the whole time to ski, which is why I use (the bi-ski),” Nehring said.
The best part of it for me is seeing how happy Adam is,” says Jennifer, Adam’s mom. “It’s worth it . . . just to see the smile on his face, that he went really fast down the mountain . . . and for a two-hour lesson every time. It’s just amazing.” Enbridge is proud to support organizations like Moving Mountains in strengthening communities near our operations.
On March 10, Enbridge employees were on hand and watched Nehring trying out the new equipment.
“It is so powerful to see folks get a chance that they might not otherwise be able to experience,” said Emma Cook, Enbridge Community Engagement Advisor, who joined several colleagues to see skiers in action.
“To watch them get out on the hill and get that sense of independence is extremely powerful.”
New technology, like a life assist seat, allows for streamlined loading and unloading on ski lifts.
“That allows a student with upper body strength to eventually be able to lift themselves through the use of handheld outriggers,” said Denise DeLano, a Moving Mountains instructor and board member. “They can lift themselves into the load position and become truly independent.”
With the assistance of lift staff at Pine Mountain, students like Nehring are able to do at least 11 runs during a lesson.
