Kati Garner headline-27182 2010-05-17T20:33:49Z 2010-05-17T20:33:49Z <p><strong>150 soldiers were introduced to sports designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, illnesses and injuries recently during a <em>Thank You For Your Service</em> event at the River Cats Independence Field.</strong></p> <p><strong>Brave soldiers who sustained disabilities while serving this nation and are now working to return to active duty or transition to civilian life will be introduced to sports and recreational opportunities specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.&nbsp; </strong></p> <p><strong>It featured demonstrations and hands-on experience of U.S.Paralympics-sanctioned sports, including Basketball, Cycling, Swimming, Javelin, Shot-put, </strong><strong>wheelchair softball, rock climbing</strong><strong> and Discus.</strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Mark Wellman of Truckee brought his adaptive climbing wall to introduce Warriors to rock climbing. </strong><strong>Wellman is a nationally acclaimed author, filmmaker and motivational speaker. Despite being paralyzed in a mountain climbing accident, Mark has inspired millions to meet their problems head-on and reach for their full potential. A two-time Paralympian and former Yosemite Park Ranger, Mark's </strong><a href="http://www.nolimitstahoe.com/speaking/index.htm"><strong>NO LIMITS</strong></a><strong> philosophy encourages individuals to adventure into new horizons; to go beyond the seeming unreachable. He and his crew work with vets across western USA</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Wellman has scaled Yosemite’s’ granite monoliths, including El Capitan and Half Dome and served for several years as a park ranger, after sustaining a spinal cord injury.</strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>This gentleman used one arm only to reach the top of the wall.</strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>The bell is rung at the top.</strong></p> <p><strong>Participants in this event were from Washington state, Oregon and California. <em>Thank you for your Service</em> was hosted by the City of Sacramento Dept. of Parks and Recreation, Access Leisure, Paralympic Sport Sacramento Club and the Community Based Warrior Transition Unit California.</strong></p> <p>For more info, please visit: <strong><a href="http://www.accessleisuresac.org" target="_blank">www.accessleisuresac.org</a></strong></p> <p><strong>SacPress Photos |&nbsp;Kati Garner<br /> <br /> </strong></p> Kati Garner 2010-05-17T20:33:49Z