Nine aspiring paralympians, ages 16 to 20, took to the rugged slopes of Mount Hood in August with their eyes – and hearts – set on the 2014 Paralympics.

This was the ninth training camp on the local mountain conducted by the
National Sports Center for the Disabled.

Erik Petersen, Director of Alpine, Nordic/Biathlon and Snowboard Competition
for NSCD, worked with the group for six days, hitting the slopes at 7 a.m.
each day.

“This camp was one of the best camps we have had in a while,” Petersen said.
“All the athletes made great improvements over the course of the camp, and
we are looking forward to watching their progress for the U.S. Adaptive
Development team this upcoming season.”

Petersen is no stranger to the alpine industry. He has more than 30 years
experience in competitive skiing, is a seven-time All-American in alpine skiing
and three-time overall collegiate champion.

The athletes come from across the country, and most reside in Winter Park,
Colorado during the winter months for training.

Paralympian hopefuls in the camp included: Tyler Carter, amputee, from
Topton, Pennsylvania; Staci Manella, visually impaired, from Randolph, New
Jersey; Sarah Holm, spinal cord injury, from Baraboo, Wisconsin; Mark Urich,
amputee, from Denver; Meghan Erickson, amputee, Sommerset, Wisconsin;
Jamie Stanton, amputee, from Rochester Hills, Michigan; Jasmin Bambur,
spinal cord injury, from Winter Park; and guide Kim Seevers from Windham,
N.Y.