Adaptive Athlete of the Year

We never know who will get their 10 minutes of fame.  Sandy Lahmann didn’t expect it when it came.  But last week, she was told that she has been named the Colorado Ski Country USA Adaptive Athlete of the Year from the Colorado Ski Country USA staff.  

She gets an all expense paid trip to Copper Mountain in Colorado to receive this award.  Wow, that’s pretty cool.  Especially for a lady who is relatively new to adaptive sports.  Mind you, Sandy is not a professional athlete.  She only recently turned to adaptive sports when  multiple sclerosis made her progressively less able to move without assistive devices.

In fact, Sandy participates in adaptive sports only on the weekends, mostly just a Saturday that she can squeeze into a tough schedule.  In addition to holding a full time job in a legal office (that she finds very tiring)), she is raising two children.  Sandy has chosen to live in a rural mountain community with few job opportunities and a low pay scale and money is very tight for her.  But she wants to be near the mountains because that’s where she can do the sports that keep her head on straight.

She’d love to have time to write, which she also loves to do.  Maybe some day.  She’s learned that she has to make her priorities, which means not everything gets fulfilled.  That’s why I’m so thrilled for her that she’s getting this recognition.  This is one example where disability can lead to new gifts.
Sandy’s words when she let her friends (and coach!) know?   “Oh my God, can you believe it!!!!!!! It’s me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Yes, it’s you, Sandy.  You won’t get to walk the “red carpet” but it’s quite awesome just the same.  You go, girlfriend!

Rosalind