Pheonix International Adpative Ski Race
Lindsay’s Solo Run
(02/20/2009)

“Going out, skiing with the Phoenix program has given me a whole new perspective on winter. It used to be long and boring….I also found it hard to get out and about, now I look forward to winter…” Lindsay Pallister

Lindsay Palliser a contender from the HoliMont team reaching for the gold ring by competing solo this year, she has this to say about the race;

“This Is a Big Deal for me and it’s not “Times” I’m out to beat, but The Mountain!
The Phoenix Adaptive Center welcomes adaptive racers and their families to HoliMont and to Ellicottville.

Spina Bifida has confined Lindsay Palliser to a wheelchair. In 2004, at 20 years of age Lindsay joined the Phoenix adaptive program at HoliMont. Lindsay was assigned to a Sit-Ski; though tentative and a bit frightened, with the aid and support of several instructors and volunteers tethering her to help her gain balance, control and confidence she met her fears, a thrill in itself for her mom, who always skied at her side.

This season Lindsay has shed her tethers and has been skiing “off tethers” which means she doesn’t need an instructor or volunteers to control her speed. In an interview with Special-E-Fects Lindsay stated; “It has been a big challenge to know I’m out there on my own. Sometimes it is scary when I look down the hill and see how high up I am, but with the encouragement and help of the instructors and volunteers I am doing it! I have done the race course before with my instructor tethering me but this year I am going to try it on my own.” Dorothy Pallister, Lindsay’s mom and an avid skier mom, praises the program for her daughter’s success. “In my wildest dreams I never would have dreamt that I would be able to ski with my daughter. Lindsay stated that skiing off tethers and following her mom down hill keeps her confident and in control. For the two of them the race is the icing on the cake.

There will be many wonderful similar adventures unfolding this Saturday when over 80 adaptive racers take to the slopes oh HoliMont to compete in the event. Contenders will arrive from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Southern Ontario and Western New York, to participate in the Phoenix Adaptive International Race.