Athlete receives unexpected gift of adaptive sports equipment from non-profit organization

Bassem Mansour, a disabled athlete, was left paralyzed from the waist down after being hit by a truck while riding his bike in October of 2020. He feared that he would no longer be able to live the active lifestyle he once enjoyed with his family. However, Achieve Tahoe, a nonprofit organization that provides sports and recreational programs for individuals with disabilities in Northern California, had different plans for him.

Recently awarded a $50,000 grant from The Hartford’s Adaptive Sports program, Achieve Tahoe used the funding to purchase new adaptive sports equipment, including equipment for kayaking, archery, hiking, and climbing programs. Marina Gardiner, the Guest Services Director at Achieve Tahoe, selected Mansour to receive his very own adaptive waterski. Mansour was excited to learn the sport and work towards achieving independence through the use of the new equipment.

Mansour’s adaptive waterski is a long slab with a seat and restraints for his feet, unlike the traditional two skis. It took some time for Mansour to adjust to the new equipment, starting with a thick ski with outriggers for balance and gradually progressing to a slimmer ski as he improved his skills. Despite the initial challenges, Mansour found that getting back into adaptive sports made a significant difference in his recovery.

Mansour emphasized the importance of staying active and engaged in sports, especially for individuals with disabilities. He believes that participating in adaptive sports and being around supportive people has played a crucial role in his journey towards recovery. By providing individuals like Mansour with the necessary tools and support, organizations like Achieve Tahoe are making a positive impact on the lives of disabled athletes.