Liam Wagner has always been a thrill seeker. When he lost the ability to walk after a motorcycle accident, he still wanted to chase those thrills — that's when he came to Greek Peak.
"That first run down the hill I got that feeling again," Wagner said.
Greek Peak's Adaptive Sports program allows people with special needs to hit the slopes like everyone else, thanks to specialized equipment and dedicated volunteers.
John Cahill is one of the volunteers who taught his special needs son how to ski.
"By having him out on the ski slope, it gave him a sense of freedom that he never had," Cahill said.
He sees a bit of his son in all the kids at Greek Peak — the program ranges in expertise and makes for a more inclusive experience.
"We've got Special Olympic skiers. It's really something they love," Cahill said. "Some of them are very accomplished racers, they would put a lot of skiers to shame if they saw them on the hill."
More than just teaching how to go down a mountain, the program teaches life lessons like when you fall, get back up. The program also encorages the message that there is nothing you cannot do if you put your mind to it.
"That's really all you can ask for. A lot of times when people are in my situation [they] don't get out of the house, they don't get the fresh air," Wagner said. "It's a great time just to be able to be up in the fresh air."
It's not how you go down the mountain that counts, it's that you go down. Cahill says he's inspired every day.
"It's amazing what these kids can do," Cahill said.
For more information on how to get involved with the adaptive sports program, click here.