From the beautiful landscape of Bend, Oregon, the Kelly Brush Foundation had an incredible time at the third annual Turns & Berms camp in collaboration with Oregon Adaptive Sports! Where else can adaptive athletes ski (turn) and mountain bike (berm) in one day but this incredible event? 

Athletes had two days of Turns and Berms and one day that was rebranded as “Brunch and Berms” due to a blizzard that prevented the group from getting to Mt. Bachelor on the last day… That’s right, a blizzard in May! 

This year, we had 19 athletes join us from near and afar. Athletes had the opportunity to bond on and off the mountains, sharing tips and tricks, making friends, and connecting with people who have bodies similar to their own. “It’s hard to put into words how important this camp is to me,” shared Laura from rural California. “I live in a remote area and this has been my only experience with other SCI athletes.”

In addition to building community, the athletes also set out to improve their skiing and mountain biking skills. “Besides the incredible vibes skiing and riding, the time with peers and volunteers was crucial,” participant Josh Conti from Rhode Island described. For some athletes, this camp meant having 1:1 time with professional adaptive ski and bike instructors to help fit and dial in their new equipment that they received through the KBF Active Fund. 

One highlight of the trip for many was when the entire ski group went to the top of the summit for a lap down a steep trail called Beverly Hills. The trail is well named, like any perfect Hollywood moment, as athletes could hear plenty of hoots and hollers from spectators on the chairlift above.

“There is nothing more fun than getting this adaptive community together and creating experiences like Turns and Berms that would normally feel out of reach” describes KBF Program Director Greg Durso. “Not only is it in reach, it proves just how normal and awesome we can truly be.”

Year 3 was a success, cheers to infinite more! 

Photo Credit: Pat Addabbo