Sen. Kennedy Joined Young Skiers with Disabilities on the Slopes

From the Office of Senator Ted Kennedy Jr.: State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-Branford), an amputee and former member of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, joined beginner skiers from across Connecticut for a day of fun and free lessons in adaptive skiing for people with disabilities. The event was hosted by LOF Adaptive Skiers at the Mount Southington Ski Area.

“When I lost my leg to bone cancer when I was 12 years old, I felt devastated and alone,” said Senator Kennedy. “I thought that I would never be able to do the things that I loved. Learning to ski on one leg using outriggers turned out to be a critical part of my recovery and rehabilitation. Adaptive skiing helped me gain self-confidence after the trauma of my surgery. I am grateful that LOF Adaptive Skiers is here to offer lessons to other young people with disabilities, because I know first-hand the positive transformation that will result from this opportunity.”

“We are honored that we had the wonderful opportunity to have Ted Kennedy, Jr. ski with LOF Adaptive Skiers. He demonstrates great skill on the slopes and defines how perseverance and confidence can allow you to achieve goals no matter what your abilities may be. Ted illustrates to our participants that if you can do this, you can do everything and anything. He is a tremendous example to many of our young athletes with disabilities,” said Joel Zeisler, Founder and Executive Director of LOF Adaptive Skiers.

LOF Adaptive Skiers is an all-volunteer organization that provides free ski and snowboard clinics for people with disabilities. All clinics take place at Mount Southington Ski Resort, and are taught by professional ski instructors trained in teaching adaptive skiing. Anyone interested in participating can register on their website. Water-skiing clinics are also offered during the summer months.

Photos courtesy of the Office of Senator Ted Kennedy Jr.