Accustomed to Wheels, Thrill-Seeking Injured Veterans Take Wing

[nofurylike]

By A. G. Sulzberger
September 3, 2011

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/us/04p...wanted=all

KETCHUM, Idaho — Searching for ways to keep his adrenaline pumping after a motorcycle accident forced him out of the military and into a wheelchair, Darol Kubacz recast himself as something of a pioneer of extreme sports.

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And with the crunch of sagebrush under a new, modified wheelchair, Mr. Kubacz, 37, and his instructor rolled down the slope and then soared into the expanse, his paraglider canopy lofting in the breeze.

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As they expand the range of so-called adaptive sports to surfing, rock climbing and white-water rafting, with the help of new technology and public and private financing, these veterans have worked to prove that a wheelchair does not necessarily require its occupant to stick to level ground.

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This type of transformation is one of the reasons the Department of Veterans Affairs has enthusiastically supported what leaders there describe as an exponential increase in extreme sports, providing money for equipment and training. As risky as the activities may be, they are viewed as preferable to the drinking and depression that often follow life-altering injuries.

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wonderful!!

[jaxx]

That is just awesome. You can't keep good people down.

[SeattleGirl]

(09-05-2011 08:11 AM)jaxx Wrote:  That is just awesome. You can't keep good people down.

Took the words right out of my mouth, jaxx! Awesome!

[nofurylike]

(09-05-2011 08:11 AM)jaxx Wrote:  That is just awesome. You can't keep good people down.

isn't it "just awesome"?!
i am truly in awe.

"You can't keep good people down." YES!!

thank you!