Perfect fit-Skiing adapts to the participant, not other way around

Diane Morrell is perfectly at home in her sit-ski.

Diane Morrell knows first-hand how scary it can be to go down the hill — but she knows with each run, her skills will improve.

"It's a very free and empowering experience to be able to ski like everyone else,"said Morrell, 43, a member of the No Limits Ski Club at Searchmont Resort.

"And as far as our instructors, I have total confidence in their skill to teach."

The club, approaching the end of its second year of formal operation, provides ski instruction to both children and adults with disabilities. It is open on Sundays during the regular ski season and administered through annual fees charged to the participants.

Searchmont Resort is fully supportive of the program by overseeing the administrative end of things and returning the monies to the club for equipment.

"Sports can help a person who has acquired a disability to realize that they still have abilities," Morrell said during a recent interview at Searchmont.

Sports can be a turning point for some, while at the same time start the healing process, she added.

The regional services co-ordinator with the Canadian Paraplegic Association of Ontario is also secretary/treasurer of the No Limits Ski Club, and is proud of the program's initial success.

"Downhill skiing is one of the few sports in which persons with various ability levels can participate," Morrell added.

"Skiing is adapted to fit the participant, not the participant to the sport, as happens with many other sports.

"So, depending on the type of disability, the equipment and skiing techniques are different, but the goal is still the same, we can get you out skiing."

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