2nd Annual Mammoth Mono Ski Madness!!

Allen Grimsby, Terry Smutney and Bill Bowness
Matt Walker Photo

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra hosted the 2nd Annual Mammoth Mono Ski Madness Camp on March 17-19, 2008. This two and a half day event brought skiers with disabilities who ski in sit-down mono skis to Mammoth. Two local skiers, Terry Smutney and Jeremy McGee, and a recent Wounded Warrior, Travis Strong, joined in the fun. Allan Grimsby traveled from Tahoe and Nahu Gebreegziabher came from Long Beach for some sliding. Bill Bowness, coach and Professional Ski Instructors of America National Tech Team Member, challenged them with new skills and adventures. Disabled Sports instructors taught and assisted as the skiers enjoyed the spring-like weather all over the mountain.

It all started with Jorie Nolen graciously creating a flashy advertising rack card to help Disabled Sports promote the Camp. What a professional look! Willy Stewart from PossAbilities and other individuals donated funding for scholarships for some of the participants. Located at Loma Linda University Medical Center, PossAbilities is a program that assists people with disabilities to develop independence and create life-enhancing experiences.

Travis Strong - Matt Walker Photo

Local and out-of-town businesses and individuals help support this great event. Jill Norton at Nik-N-Willie's delighted the group with a great dinner during the inside fitting session the first afternoon. Cecilia and Nettie Jimenez at Stellar Brew and Kathy Copeland created beautiful and yummy lunches on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Shilo Inn assisted with lodging for our great trainer, Bill and photographer, Matt Walker who volunteered his time to be sure DSES has a record of this great event on film.

Group on the hill - Terry Smutney, Bill Bowness, Travis Strong, and Nahu Gebreegziabher - Matt Walker Photo

Cleland Hoff, Sierra Wave, spent one day keeping up with the mono skiers. She spoke to Bowness as he hurried to strap himself into the seat on the mono ski. When asked how the skiers were doing, Bill replied, "....you mean you want me to say that in front of them....no, they're doing great and will leave much better skiers than when they came".

Riggers up - having a great time - Nahu Gebreegziabher, Jeremy McGee, Bill Bowness, Travis Strong, Allan Grimsby, Terry Smutney

All the skiers are hoping to return for next years' Mono Camp. Smutney is currently working on his certification for teaching mono skiing. Others are perfecting techniques for teaching, racing and park maneuvers. Strong is hooked, after recently learning to ride the mono ski and visiting Disabled Sports Wounded Warrior Program in February, where soldiers injured overseas relearn sports after being disabled in the line of duty. He plans to continue skiing with his family and work toward teaching mono skiing in the future.

The group on the hill

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra will offer the Annual Mammoth Mono Ski Madness Camp next March, tailoring the event to beginners as well as intermediate and advanced skiers in the future. Gigantic THANKS to all the participants for coming out to "play", and to everyone who volunteered and supported this event!!! Your time and efforts keep Disabled Sports programs flourishing! For more info, contact Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra: 760.934.0791.

The group on the hill