Wheelchairs 4 Kids ski day at Breckenridge

In early April, Breckenridge Mountain Resort played host to 19 children who got to experience the adventure of a lifetime on the slopes in Summit County, Colorado.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids, a Tampa Bay, Florida-based non-profit, hosted the 19 physically disabled children at Breckenridge, bringing them from Florida to Colorado to find some powder while they tried adaptive snow skiing.

The "Wheel Kids" spent two days on the slopes with Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center — Wheelchairs 4 Kids’ non-profit partner that provides the equipment, instructors, and volunteers that make the adaptive skiing possible.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids ski day at Breckenridge

“It has been so fun to work with the Wheelchairs 4 Kids group,” Jeff Inouye, Ski Program Director of Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center said. “They are an incredible organization that provide amazing opportunities and experiences for the kids they work with. Our instructors and volunteers truly enjoy working with them. The BOEC is honored to work with Wheelchairs 4 Kids and we hope to continue this partnership for many years to come!”

All of the Wheel Kid participants also received wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, or mobility equipment from Wheelchairs 4 Kids through their Let’s Roll program, which qualified them to take part in the organization’s inclusion program, Wheely Fun Days.

2024 was the third year that Wheelchairs 4 Kids has been able to bring a group of kids to Colorado to participate in adaptive snow skiing. 

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“Every year we’re able to continue this trip is a dream come true,” Nina Shaw, Programs Manager for Wheelchairs 4 Kids said. “This outing is a perfect example of what our Wheely Fun Days inclusion program is all about: building confidence and community among our Wheel Kids. It also gives them unforgettable memories to share with friends and family.”

Wheelchairs 4 Kids ski day at Breckenridge

Vidhan tries out his bi-ski at Breckenridge Mountain Resort in Breckenridge.

“Empowered by Wheelchairs 4 Kids, this week has seen limitless possibilities unfold for children like Ali,” Adonica said, who’s daughter participated in this year’s ski trip. “New friendships have blossomed, precious memories made, and exhilaration felt on an unimaginable level! This is a journey that embodies the boundless potential within every child.”

The group consisted of 55 total guests, including the 19 Wheel Kid participants.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids ski day at Breckenridge

To learn more or to help, please visit Wheelchairs4kids.org or call 727-946-0963.

The ski trip was sponsored by Broadrick Family Foundation, Gagnon Foundation, Yanchuck Law, and Zervos & Calta, PLLC, as well as individual donations.

(Contact Denver Gazette digital producer Jonathan Ingraham at jonathan.ingraham@denvergazette.com or on X at @Skingraham.)