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DanCnossenMissionImprobableSochiALittleTownHarborsBigDreamsSTEPHENLAWLERSKYSTHELIMITGOLDSTHEGOALOksanaMastersNewSportNewChallengesADAPTIVESPIRITMAGAZINE AtCoxwecelebratetheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamandtheirathleticabilitycourageandstrength.Andwesalutetheirabilitytomotivateandinspire.ThatswhywereaproudPlatinumsponsorofAdaptiveSpirits18thannualevent.yourfriendinthedigitalageCoxisaProudSponsorofAdaptiveSpirit.ThankyouAdaptiveSpiritforallyoudofortheamazingathletesoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeam. DearFriendsForallofyouwhoattendedtheAdaptiveSpiriteventinVailinAprilwehopeyouenjoyedrenewingbondswithindustrycolleaguesfriendsandfamily.AfterallthatisoursecretforsuccesscombiningbusinesswithsupportingtheamazingathletesoftheU.S.NationalParalympicSkiTeams.OurpartnershipwiththecableindustryandU.S.Paralympicscontinuestogrow.ThecableindustrycanbeespeciallyproudofitscontinuedsupportofAdaptiveSpiritwhichoverthelast18yearshasresultedindonationsofmorethan10milliontotheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeams.ThatsupporthasleddirectlytotheteamsabilitytotripleinsizeaddnewdevelopmenttalentwinyetanotherNationsCupawardcompetitionscholarshipstowoundedveteransandaddanewteamthatwillcompeteinSochitheU.S.ParalympicSnowboardTeam.OurcollectivesuccesshaspositionedtheteamforasuccessfulrunatmedalsinSochiRussiainMarchof2014.SomakeplanstocomecelebrateyourNationalParalympicSkiTeamssuccessinSochiandseeinpersontheresultsofourgreatpartnership.SteveRaymondCo-chairDisneyandESPNNetworksJoeRooneyCo-chairCoxCommunicationsAdaptiveSpiritHeadquarters2329WestMainSt.Suite207LittletonColorado80120303-797-9507www.adaptivespirit.comConnectKevinJardineAlpineTeamLiaisonU.S.OlympicCommitteeAlpineHigh-PerformanceDirectorBillFuteraAPPCo-ChairBrightHouseNetworksEVPCFOSteveHaveyAPPCo-ChairContecHoldingsSVPMarketingDeborahFlippoCommunicationsChairVubiquitySeniorDirectorAliateSalesAnneMarieHukriedeMarketingChairRaceCo-ChairSDMarketingAdvertisingVPClientServicesJohnFarraNordicTeamLiaisonU.S.OlympicCommitteeNordicHigh-PerformanceDirectorColetteCareyPublicityChairAXSTVDirectorMarketingPublicRelationsBradParobekRaceCo-ChairAmdocsExecutiveDirectorSalesSteveRaymondEventCo-ChairDisneyandESPNNetworksSVPNationalAccountsJoeRooneyEventCo-ChairCoxCommunicationsSVPBrandMediaNomiBergmanSilentAuctionCo-ChairBrightHouseNetworksPresidentPattyBullingtonSilentAuctionCo-ChairCharterMediaCorporateSeniorMarketingDirectorMollyMcCaskillSilentAuctionCo-ChairMJMEventsMarketingPresidentSusanBurgstinerSocialChairMarketingOnDemandPresidentCherylFeingoldSponsorCo-ChairTransCendResourcesCEONancyHeernanSponsorCo-ChairCoxCommunicationsDirectorVideoMarketingToddStewartSponsorCo-ChairBrightHouseNetworksCorporateVPAdvertisingAlexDAddioVideoChairDAddioCommunicationsOwnerLoriWoodVolunteerChairDigitasSeniorAssociateMarketing2013STEERINGCOMMITTEETABLEOFCONTENTSLivingLearningandLightheartedCompetition.............4AllRoadsLeadtoSochi..............................6OppositesAttract..................................8SpeedMerchantStephenLawler......................14DanCnossenMissionImprobable.....................23OksanaMastersNewSportNewChallenges.............262013RaceSummary...............................28ASpecialThanks..................................30EditorM.C.AntilProjectManagersAnneMarieHukriedeSDBruceHolmesSDJillLovettSDEditorialDesignDenisFrolovSDEllenBrussDesignsPhotographyDanDavisandSeanBoggsTrekkerphoto.com 4AndasalwayswhatpoppedoutoftheovenashortwhilelaterwasasavorymixofallthattheindustryndsgoodandworthwhileaboutAdaptiveSpiritalongwithonemoreexampleofwhysomanylongtimecableexecutivesremainsosteadfastintheirsupportoftheorganization.ThispastApriltheindustryasithasdonefor18consecu-tiveyearsandcountingmetonceagainonthesunnyslopesofthetinyskicommunityofVailColoradoforwhatuntilafewyearsagowasknownasSkiTAMafundraisertobenettheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamandnowthatorganizationsprimarysourceoffunding.Thisyearthroughacombinationofentryfeesdonationsanever-growingsilentauctionanincreasinglyanimatedandincreasinglynon-silentoneanda5050raetonamejustafewfestivitiesAdaptiveSpiritwasabletoraisesome1.3milliondollarsoverthecourseofitsfour-dayannualfund-raiserandski-a-thon.Amongthehighlightsofthe2013eventwastheever-popularexecutivesessiononThursdayafternoonfeaturingashasbeenthetraditionanumberofwell-placedandknowledgeableindus-tryexperts.ModeratedbyMichaelGrebbofCableFAXthepanelexploredEngagingConsumersthroughPersonalizedExpe-riences.FeaturedwereBrianCurtisseniordirectorofproductmanagementforComcastTimConnollyVPdigitaldistributionforDisneyESPNMediaNetworksAdaptiveSpiritsownJoeRooneySVPbrandandmediaatCoxCommunicationsandDhirajKumarheadofglobalperformancesolutionsatFacebook.TaniaYukiCEOofShareableewasgenerousenoughtollapanelspotatthelastminute.Onceagainfamilyfunfriendshipsalittlefriendlycompetitionandofcourseaterricandnoblecausegotpouredintoamixingbowlalongwithjusttheproperamountofindustrytalknetworkingandinsight.LIVINGLEARNINGANDLIGHTHEARTEDCOMPETITIONEventFacts1.3millionraisedthisyear950registrants59eventsponsors25activitysponsorsOver300SilentAuctionitemsdonated AsRooneysaidafterwardEveryyearithappensandeveryyearthisbecomestruerandtruer.IfyouweretogototheThurs-daysessioncloseyoureyesforgettherewerestunningmoun-tainsandwhoknowshowmanyskiersjustoutsidethedoorandsimplylistentothedepthtowhichthetopicswerebeingminednottomentionwhatwasbeingrevealedaboutthemyoudswearyouwerenotnestledintheheartoftheRockyMountainsbutseatedatsomehigh-levelcableconferenceinNewYorkLAorsomeotherindustryhotspot.AlsonewthisyearwaswhatwasbilledastheBrainTrustBreakfastanopportunitytosharefacetimeovereggsandcoeeinalaid-backcasualsettingwithMSOandindustryexecs.Theobjectivewastogiveattendeesachancetoaskthoseinapositiontoknowoneortwoburningquestionstheymayhavehadrattlingaroundtheirheads.AmongthoseenlistedforthebreakfastwereNomiBergmanofBrightHouseNetworksJayRollsofCharterandCassBakerofLeapfrog.ThewinnersofthisyearsracearacethrownwideopenbythelatescratchofafewofthetraditionalcontendersandusualsuspectswereTeamHBOfromtheCompetitiveDivisionmadeupofPeterBanBrendaKirwoodJeKirwoodClayKirwoodandLaurieStephens.AndfromtheSportDivisionteamDeluxeDigitalwonrstplaceChrisRittlerCraigHeitingJeChenWendyChenandAllisonJones.Fortheadultsandindustrytypesamongthemanysocialandnetworkingeventsthisyearwerethe18thAnnualOntheTownatEaglesNestsponsoredbyEricssonJuniperNetworksandMotorolaandtheAfterHoursPartyatblEricsson.Andtheweekendwasonceagainpepperedwithsuchkid-friendlyandparent-freechoicesastheYouthRacesponsoredbyContectheKidsFilmFestiNDEMANDthekidSceneSnowDowntuberaceHDNetMovieskidSceneandtheever-popularSaturdaynightKidsPartyDisney. 6UntilafewyearsagoSochiRussiawasjustonemorelargelyanonymoustownnestledsomewhereintheheartofAsiabetweenthesprawlingBlackSeaandtheruggedCaucasusMountains.ButthatwasbeforeitwasannouncedthatSochiwouldbehostingthe2014WinterOlympicandParalympicGames.SincethentothousandsofyoungmaleandfemaleathletestheworldoverinanynumberofsportsSochiwillbecomesomecombinationofOzandtheproverbialpotofgoldattheendoftherainbow.ForthemembersoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamthesedaysitseemsalmostimpossibletoengageinanyconversationaboutanysubjectwithoutinvariablyndingthemactivelytalkingSochiandthe2014Paralympics.UnlikeSaltLakeCityunlikeVancouverreallyunlikealmostanyParalympicgamesinmem-orytheseloomingSochigamesseemtohavetakenonalevelofimportanceandfocusinthemindsofprospectivecompetitorsthatfewotherseverhave.Onereasonforthatisnodoubttherelocationin2010oftheU.S.AdaptiveSkiTeamsfromundertheirformerparentorganizationtheUnitedStatesSkiandSnowboardAssociationUSSAtounderthewingofU.S.ParalympicsadivisionoftheU.S.OlympicCommittee.ButperhapsthebiggerreasonistheverypublicdisclosurebyU.S.ParalympicsthatthegoalofAmericanteamsgoingforwardstartinginSochiwastobringhomemoremedalsandearnmorepodiumsthananyteamandanycountryintheworld.Therehasbeeninotherwordsafargreateremphasisplacedonperformanceexcellenceandresultsin2014anobjectivethathasemergedassomethingofamission.AttheSochigamestheteamwillnditselfsquarelyunderthestronghandandwatchfuleyeofU.S.ParalympicsnottomentionitsenergeticfocusedanddeeplypassionateexecutivedirectorCharlieHueb-nerthegauntlethasclearlybeenthrowndown.SaidHuebnertopursueexcellenceittakesacomprehen-siveapproachincludingndingtherightathletesthroughtalentIDstrongcoachingsportsciencesportsmedicinetechnologysupportandcompetitiveopportunitiesagainstthebestintheworld.AndthataccordingtoHuebnerisexactlywhatallPara-lympicteamsarenowbeingsystematicallyaorded.ForthecoachesSochirepresentsagreatopportunityonsomanylevelsandmanyofthemcannotwaitforthegamestobegin.KevinJardineisonesuchcoach.HehasbeeninvolvedwiththeteaminsomecapacityduringanynumberofpreviousParalympicgamesandhesaidthatSochiwillpresentagreatop-portunityfortheU.S.athletestofocuslessonfamilyandfriendsandmoreonthetaskathand.Suretherearegoingtobefriendsandfamilymembersaroundtherealwaysare.SaltLakewasprobablytheworstinthatregard.ButinSochitheathletesarenotgoingtondthemselvesconstantlydistractedbythingslikeTVorworriedaboutsocialcommitmentstheymayhavemade.Theyregoingtobeabletoconcentrateandfocusmoreonwhywerethereandthegoalswevesetforourselveshesaid.NordiccoachJohnFarraisexcitedaboutSochibecausehesaiditrepresentsthersttimeinParalympichistorythattheU.S.teamwillbebringingsomethingmorethanahandfulofathletestocompeteintheNordicevents.UnlikepastParalympicswhichoperatedwithave-personcaponNordicteamsthese2014gameswillseesome15dierentNordicathletescompetingfortheU.S.eachrepresentingadierentskiingandsometimesshootingstyleandstrength.Itusedtobeyoucouldalmostnametheteamwithoutevenwatchingthemcompete.Butnotanylonger.ThisyearIthinkU.S.Paralympicsrealizedthatifweareevergoingtogrowoursportinthiscountryandareevergo-ingtobeabletocompeteconsistentlyinternationallywearego-ALLROADSLEADTOSOCHIThegoalofAmericanteamsstartinginSochiwillbetobringhomemoremedalsandearnmorepodiumsthananycountryintheworld. undertrue-to-lifeconditions.Thetestraceprovedtobeaworth-whileexerciseandsnowconditionsinSochiverymuchmirroredtheonesthattheteamexperienceseverysummerinMt.Hoodwheretheytrain.AsaresultU.S.ocialswereabletolendmorethanafairshareofexpertisetotheSochiraceocialswhilegiv-ingthemhands-ondemonstrationsoftheinsandoutsofgroom-ingandmanufacturingsnowunderwarmspringlikeconditions.AsfortheathletesthemselvesperhapsthewholeconceptofandcollectivefocusonSochiwasbestsummedupbyStaciMan-nellawhosaidEversinceIrststartedskiingcompetitivelyIvebeenhearingaboutSochiandthe2014Paralympics.SochiwasmademygoalbackthenandSochiremainsmygoaltoday.ingtodoitbyincreasingtheopportunitiesforpeopletocompeteandhopefullywin.FarraaddedthatbecausethegoalofU.S.ParalympicsistoearnmoremedalsthananyteamintheworldnumbersalonedictateditwasimportanttobeefupnotonlythequalitybutthequantityofathletesontheNordicroster.55percentofallmedalsawardedgotoNordiceventssoitstandstoreasonthatifwewanttowinmoremedalswehavetofocusontheNordicevents.ThisyeartheU.S.teamparticipatedinaneventthatamountedtosomethingofadryrunforthe2014ParalympicsandwhichgaveRussianocialsanopportunitytotesttheirmettleaseventorganizerscoursegroomersandraceocialsProudsponsorsoftheU.S.ParalympicNationalSkiTeamandAdaptiveSpiritsince2004www.sd-advertising.comStrategicPlanningDigitalMarketingTraditionalMarketingProjectManagement OPPOSITESATTRACTInmanywaystheycouldntbemoredissimilar.Oneisaseasonedprofessionaltheotherjustafewdaysremovedfromherjuniorprom.Oneiscomfortablynestledintotheresponsi-bilitiesandchallengesofbeingawomaninmid-lifetheotherisayoungsterwhofeelslifeisonlynowstartingtounfold.Onegrewupfocusedanddriventoachievesuccesstheotheralwaystooksuccessasitcamebutwouldnthavemisseditifitneverbotheredtoknockonherdoor.MeetStaciMannellaandKimSeeverstheunlikeliestofpart-ners.TheformerisavisuallyimpairedskierwhosjustnowstartingtoByM.C.AntilDespitetheirdierencesavisuallyimpairedrisingstarandherveteranguidehavemadeitcleartheyintendtobeheardfrom...andsoon 10realizehowgoodshecanbethelatterisMannellasguidementorandperhapsaboveallapersoncommittedtomakingsuresheexploreseverylastounceofherconsiderabletalentforskiracing.MannellaandSeeversrstmetonWindhamMountainin2008whereSeeversalifelongtnessandskiinstructorandthesedaysagrantwriterfortheAdaptiveSportsFoundationhadjustreturnedafteratwoyearstintlivinginColorado.OnethingledtoanotherandbeforeyouknewitSeevershadacquiredabrandnewprotgafun-lovinglaid-back11-year-oldfromacrosstheHudsonRiverinNewJerseyalittlegirlwhodskiedsincetheageoffourandwhoseparentsrecentlyboughtasmallhomenotfarfromWindhamsotheycouldspendweekendsski-ingasafamilyfromtherstsnowfalltothenalspringthaw.InnotimeSeeversandMannellafoundthemselvesworkingtogetherjustabouteveryweekend.AndeventuallywithStacisparentspermissiontheybegantakingshorttripstoparticipateinanumberofsmallerregionaljunioradaptiveskiraces.ItwasashorttwomonthslaterintheU.S.AdaptiveNa-tionalChampionshipsbeingheldinWinterParkColoradoracingagainstanumberofadultskiersandonafarmorechallengingcourselayoutthantheydbeenusedtothatSeeversbegantofullyrealizewhatshehadinMannella.AboutmidwaythroughtheirrstrunSeeversadrivenandhighlyaccomplishedskierrealizedshewasprobablypushingheryoungchargeabittoohard.Andasshecametothatrealizationandinstinctivelybegantopullbackshealsorealizedthatrightonhertailnomorethanafewfeetbehindherandattackingthemountaininherabsolutemirrorimagelisteningtoandactingontheinstructionsshedbeenbarkingoutwasawide-eyedlittlegirlwhonotonlydidntseemintimidatedbytheexperienceorthecompetitionbutwhoactuallyseemedtobethrivingonthem.Atthatmomentimaginingthefresh-faced12-year-oldjustafewfeetbehindherskiinglikethedeviltotryandbeattheadultsshewasupagainstandrealizingthetwowereactuallygoingtomakeitdownthemountaininonepieceasateamSeeverssuddenlybegandoingwhatanyself-respectingprofessionalskiguidewoulddointhatsituationshebegantocry.AndshekeptcryingevenasshecontinuedtobarkoutinstructionstoMan-nellaatthetopofherlungswithavoicethatsoonbegancrackingwiththeemotionofthemomentandevenasshecrossedthenishlinewithtearsstreamingdownhertwobright-redicy-coldcheeks.WhileinsomanywaysSeeversandMannellaareasdier-entasnightanddaythereareatleasttwothingstheysharethat makethemaverygoodandpotentiallyworld-classracingteam.Botharestrongphysicallypowerfulwomenandbothmatchoneanotherinsizeandweight.Whatsmoretheybothreallylovetoskifast.AndthecombinationofthosethingscanandoftendoesleadtooneWorldCupandParalympicpodiumafteranother.AsforthesamenessintheirsizeandbodytypeSeeversex-plainedtheimportance.PriortomeetingMannellaSeevershadworkedwithanotheryoungvision-impairedParalympicathletefromtheAdaptiveSportsFoundationnamedCaitieSarubbi.Sa-rubbiisapetiteyoungladywhoisalmostelninstatureandwholikedtoskiafairdistancebehindSeevers.Thedierencesintheirphysicalsizehelpeddeneboththeirskiingstyleandtheirdy-namicasateamoftenleadingtoaninconsistentgapbetweenthepairdependingonthepitchofthehillorsetoftheracecourse.FromdayonehoweverMannellachosetopositionherselfdirectlybehindSeeversandkeepheratalltimesalmostliter-allywithinarmsreach.Duringcompetitionthisallowedheratleasttosomedegreetoactuallyseeherguideandrelylessonoralinstructions.IhaveachromatopsiaMannellaexplained.ThatmeansImverylightsensitivehaveahighdegreeofcolorblindnessandcannotseedistancesatall.SoIliketoskiascloseasIcantoKimsoIcanseeherasclearaspossible.ThatallowsmetobeasaccurateasIcanwithmyturnsmyweightshiftsandeverythingelseImdoingupthere.Fieldofvisionasidehowevertheideaoftwosimilarlybuiltandlike-sizedwomenbothskiingatpeakcapacityandattackingthemountainasavirtualsingleunitwhileleveragingsuchscien-ticadvantagesasgravityandareductioninwindresistancehastheParalympiccoachingstaalmostgiddywithexcitement.AsKevinJardinesaidStacihasbuilt-inadvantagesasaracerandweretryingtogethertounderstandthatandtakefulladvantageofthem.Imnotsuresheevenrealizeshowgoodshehasitinhertobe.SaidSeeversStacihastheheartofachampion.Nowshejusthastogetthatintoherhead.ShethenaddedthatforMan-nellaalltheelementsarethereexceptperhapsexperience.IloveworkingwithStaci.Sheshonesthard-workingandcom-pletelyaccountableforthethingsshedoes.Itsbeenarealthrilltowatchhergrowovertheyears.AndImsurethatthemoreexperienceshegainsthebettershesgoingtobecome.Theyearaheadpromisestobeamuchmorefocusedandski-centriconeforMannellawhowillbeenteringhernalyearofhighschoolwhereshecontinuestotakeclassesspecicallydesignedtoallowhertopursuehergoalofbecomingaveteri-narian.Behindherwillbethispastyearacrazystressfulpairofsemestersinwhichshetookanumberofhonors-levelcoursestookalltherequisitecollegeexamschallengedherselfasneverbeforeacademicallyandattemptedtodoonweekendswhatmanyofherteammatesandfellowcompetitorswerespendingfullweeksdoingnamelytrainingskiingandworkingontheirvariousracingtechniques.NotonlyhastheWorldCupschedulegrownvirtually100percentthisseasonbut2014willbeaParalympicyearandMannellassightsremainastheyhaveforsixyearsxedsquarelyonSochi.IvebeenhearingaboutthisplacecalledSochiforsixyearsasifitslikeOzorsomethingshesaid.KimmadeearningapodiuminSochiourgoalsixyearsagowhenwerststartedworkingtogetheranditremainsourgoaltoday.ThegoodnewsisasaseniorthiscomingyearMannellawillhavemoretimetohitthegymandtraveltoWorldCupeventsthanshedidinthepastandshehopesthesituationwillallowhertotakeagiantleapforwardinbothhertrainingandherresults.WhenaskedrecentlyshewascandidandhonestwithanyonewillingtolistenabouthowshegottowheresheisandwhyshenowndsherselfsoclosetoWorldCupandParalympicgreat-nessthatsheandnodoubtSeeverscantasteit.NoquestionIwouldnotbeherewithoutKimshesaid.InfactfortherstfewyearsweweretogetherIgottabehonestthiswasprobablymoreherdreamthanmine.Butthatdreamisclearlymutualnow.AndyetsomehowthroughitallStaciMannellaremainsexactlywhosheisandwhoshesbeenforquitesometimeatypicalalmostpainfullynormalkidfromJerseywhosjusthavingfunhanginglooseanddoingthebestshecanevenasshesundertakingthedauntingtaskofcompetingagainstthenestadaptiveskiersintheworld.AsshesaidlatelastseasontoaveryedgySeeversinthestart-inggateofoneparticularlycriticalnationalchampionshipracewhenthelatteraskedhowshewasabletostaysocalmKimcmon.Youhavethehardpart.AllIhavetodoisfollowyou.IwouldnotbeherewithoutKimsaysMannella.InfactIgottabehonestthiswasprobablymoreherdreamthanmine. SAVETHEDATEADAPTIVESPIRIT19THANNUALAPRIL3-62014VAILCO SimplifyingMultiscreenContentDeliveryDeluxeOnDemandisrevolutionizingdigitalhomeentertainmentwithitsleadingmultiscreen-readystudioqualityvideocatalogservice.Thecloud-basedsolutioneasilyintegrateswithyourVODecosystemandsimplifiestheaccessanddeliveryoftitles.DeluxeOnDemandfeaturesanimpressivecatalogofhighqualitycontentpre-encodedandprepackagedwithpopularDRMsandcompressedtosavespaceandbandwidth.Quicklyaddnewservicessupportmoredevicesanddelivermorecompellingcontenttotheset-topboxandmultiscreenviewingexperienceswithouttheupfrontinvestment.UltraViolet-ready.Copyright2013DeuxeEntertainmentuDeluxeOnDemandOnDemandVideoCatalogServiceForAnOnDemandWorldThousandsoftitles.Hundredsofdevices.Readyforyourcustomersanytimeanywhere.www.deluxeondemand.comMorethan40000titlespre-encodedinover50formatsPre-encryptedandpre-packagedwithpopularDRMsHigherqualitycompressedVODencodesService-basedapproachsavestimemoneyandspeed-to-marketProudsponsorofthe18thannualSkiTAM.ALABAMACALIFORNIAFLORIDAINDIANAMICHIGANThankstoallofthevolunteerssponsorsandattendeesformakingthisyearseventanothermonumentalsuccess. SPEEDMERCHANTLAWLERSHRUGSOFFINJURIESFOCUSESONSOCHI anotheryetthroughitallremainsremarkablysteadfastinhisbeliefthathehasitinhimtobecomenotmerelyaworld-classmonoskierbutperhapsassoonasnextspringaParalympicchampion.ConsiderthisLawlertookahardfallandseparatedhisshoul-derduringthe2009-10seasonafterhavingmovedwestfromhisnativeVermonttoparticipateinWinterParksworld-famousadaptive-skiprogramaninjurythatcutshorthisseason.HewassubsequentlytoldbydoctorsthattheprobleminhisshouldercouldbecomechronicsohereturnedtoVermontforsurgeryandtorehabhisbrokenwing.AfewmonthslaterhewasbackinWinterParkandthatcomingseasonheskiedwellenoughtowinaspotonhisrst-everParalympicsquad.Butatthebeginningofthe2012-13WorldCupseasonLawlerfellyetagainandthistimediddamagetohisothershoul-VeryfewpeopleloveskiingfastasmuchasParalympichopefulStephenLawler.Nowifonlythefatesandhisbodywouldaccommodatehimhemightbeabletoputallthatspeedtouse.BYM.C.ANTILBeingbornwithspinabidaandlivinglifeinawheelchairmightbeconsideredenoughofaphysicalhurdleforanathletebutthathasntapparentlystoppedthefatesfromwantingtopileonStephenLawler.Overthepasttwoyearsthehumbleshyandconspicuouslyself-eacing22-year-oldhasbeenhamstrungbyoneinjuryafter 16OntheocialU.S.ParalympicssiteStephenLawleroersthese10factsabouthimselfOKmaybetheyrefactoidsoratleastfact-ishashepreparesforSochiandthe2014Paralympics.ThefactsbelowareStephens.Thecommentaryisours.STEPHENLAWLER10FUNFACTSder.TheinjurycosthimabigchunkofyetanotherseasonbutwhenherecoveredwellenoughtoskicompetitivelyhetraveledtoSpainwithhisteamonceagainbeganattackingthemountainwithhistrademarkblisteringbreakneckstyleandsomehownishedasurprisingsecondinthedownhill.ThatpodiumalongwithhislifelongpassionforspeedandthekindofintensivecoachinghedbeenreceivingonhisadmittedlyrawtechniqueovertwoParalympicseasonsledhimtobelieve2013-14wasgoingtobehisyearaseasonheenvisionedbeing1.ISTARTEDSKIINGAT10YEARSOLDHisrstskiingpartnershismotherandhisgrandmotherclaimhemusthavethoughthisbucketwasasledbecausehepointeditstraightdownhillandneverstopped.2.RACINGISINMYBLOODHisdadNoelLawlerisarst-generationimmigrantfromIrelandwhodiscoveredroadrallyracingasakidandneverlookedback.Heandhispartnernishedsecondinthe1998U.S.RallyCarChampionshipsandhewaslaterfeaturedonthecoverofaNintendo64videogame.AsStephensayshelikestothinkhewasborntorace.3.IVEBEENINAMOVIEWhenhewas13hewasdrivingcrosscountrywithhismotherwhenthetwostoppedinColoradoforadaysworthofskiing.Therehewasspot-tedbyadirectorwhowasmakinganeducationallmwithextremeskierGlenPlake.StephensroleinthelmwasnotabigonebutTheSnow-MonsterscanstillbeseenplayingattheBreckenridgeSkiResort.4.FREEDOMANDMAPLESYRUPSteveisaVermontguythroughandthroughandisunabashedlyproudofinre-verseorderthestatesmottoFreedomandUnitythefactthatVermontishometotheiconicBenandJerrysIceCreamplantandperhapsmostofallthequalityofhishomestatesmaplesyrupwhichheandmanyotherswillgototheirgravescontendingisthenestofitskindintheworld.5.ILOVEKIWISHistimewiththeU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamhastaughthimthathisfavoriteplacetovisitintheworldisNewZealand.Hecallsthemountainsamazingandsaysthecountryoersthenestsceneryheseverseen.Healsoclaimsthepeopleareincred-iblyfriendlyandthatrugbytheirfavoritepastimeisaprettycoolsport.6.IAMNOTTHECLEANESTPERSONOscarMadisonmoveover.Theresanewsheriintown.AndhisnameisStephencappedbyatleastonegoldmedalatthe2014GamesinSochiandsomeothersalongtheway.ButinMayjustamonthbeforehewastoleaveforMt.HoodwiththerestofhisParalympicteammatesandembarkuponthegruelingoseasontrainingtheyfaceeverysummerhelearnedhehaddevelopedaninfectionduringsomerecentnon-shoulder-relatedsurgeryasetbackthatprecludedhimfromparticipatingintheMt.Hoodtrainingandforcedhimtoremainallbutinactiveforweekswhilehisbodyfoughttheinfection. AsforhisskiingLawlersaidhesspentthepastthreeseasonstryingtounlearnmuchofwhathedalwaysthoughtheknewaboutmonoskiracing.AsakidfromtheEastwhocompetedagainstsomeoftenvastlyinferiorcompetitionheneverreallyhadtolearnmuchinthewayoftechnique.Allhehadtodowaspointhisbucketdownhillandgofasterthaneveryoneelse.Henowrealizesthatatleastwhenitcomestothegreatestsitskiersintheworldrawspeedwillonlytakehimsofar.Downhillismybesteventwithoutquestionhesaidrecently.ButIwouldwhobythewaywouldliketotakeamomenttopersonallyapologizetoallhisroommatesovertheyearsespeciallyTylerWalkerwhohesbunkingwiththissummerwhilebothareintrainingattheOTC.7.IAMAHUGESPORTSFANIfthereisagameonTVmoreoftenthannothecanbefoundwatchingit.AsforhisfavoriteteamsheclaimshesafanofboththeNewYorkGi-antsandtheBostonRedSox.Gogure.8.IMAFULLTIMEATHLETEHeconsidershimselfluckythatalpineskiingishisfull-timejobandthathisrelation-shipwithJuniperNetworkshasaordedhimalltheequipmentnecessaryforhimtotrainandperformtothebestofhisabilitywithouthavingtoworryaboutworking40hoursotheslopesjusttobeabletosurvive.9.THANKSMOMNotonlydidhismothergethimintoskiingasaboybutinhighschoolshewouldwakeupearlyeverydaytodrivehimtoallhispracticesandraces.AndformanyyearsStephenclaimsshewastheonlypersonfundinghisskiingcareer.Todayhesayssimplyhewouldntbewherehisiswithouther.10.IGETTOLIVEATTHEU.S.OLYMPICTRAININGCENTERWesupposewhenyoulivewhereyoutrainitcanthelpbutincreasethefrequencyofyourworkoutsnottomentionatleasteventuallytheirimpact. 1somedayliketobebestintheGS.WhenyouregoodintheGSasaskieryouhaveeverything.ThatsabigpartofthereasonheremainssuchahugefanofcurrentteammatesChrisDevlin-YoungandTylerWalker.NotonlyarebothlikeLawleroriginallyfromtheEastYoungandWalkerhailfromNewHampshirebuttheyaresogoodinsomanyeventsandtheyremaincompetitiveregardlessofthetrackandtheconditions.ThatswhatImstrivingforhesaid.Imlookingfortheconsistencythatallgreatracershave.HisheadcoachKevinJardinesaidLawlerhasasmuchnativeabilityasjustaboutanyskierheseverseen.Hejustneedstoworkonbecomingmoretechnicallyprocientonthemountain.Stevesjobandwhatwereworkingwithhimonisdevelopinghisracingtechnique.Atsomepointatthislevelofcompetitionandagainstthislevelofcompetitorrawspeedwillonlytakeyousofar.Youhavetobeabletoadapttoconditionsandthecourseandyouhavetolearnhowtosavefractionsofsecondsbyskiinginawaythatismoreaboutbeingsmartthanbeinginstinctive.InjuriesandinfectionsasideLawlerremainsundauntedheadingintothissummernottomentiontheseasonahead.HecontinuestooozequietcondenceinhimselfcontinuestofocusonthethingsheneedstoimprovebothinhisconditioningandhistechniqueandcontinuestokeephissightsandhisfocusaimedsquarelyonSochi.ThatswhyafterafewweeksrecoverybackhomewithhisfamilyinVermonthesaidhewillreturntotheOlympicTrainingCenterinColoradoSpringstoresumewhatfortwoyearsrunninghasbecomeavigorouso-seasontrainingregime.TheypushyouharderherethanIveeverbeenpushedinmylifehesaidofhistrainersattheOTC.ThatcoupledwithhissponsorshipfromJuniperNetworkswillhelpgethimbackontracktoSochi.WhenaskedwhatmostoutsidersmightnotknowabouthimLawlerthoughtforamomentthenrespondedYoumaylookatmeandImaylooklikeImhavingfunouttherebutwell.ImnotsurepeoplerealizehowhardIworkatthisorhowmuchIveputintoit.ThatmayallchangecomeMarchinaRussianvillagetheworldwillsooncometoknowasSochi.WhenyouregoodintheGSsaidLawlerasaskieryouhaveeverything. Almosteverysporthasitsspecialtyequipment.Butwhenitcomestoadaptivesportstheequipmentofday-to-daylifeandtheequipmentofsportoftenmeldintoone.WorldclassskierParalympichopefulandhighlydecoratedWoundedWarriorHeathCalhounrecentlypulledbackthecurtainlaidouthisequipmentforusandshowedthestaofAdaptiveSpiritjusthowtruethatreallyis.GEARUP GOODLUCKINSOCHIDisneyandESPNMediaNetworkscongratulatesAdaptiveSpiritandtheU.S.NationalParalympicSkiTeamonanothergreatyearDisneyABCFamily TheSamsungproductsthatpowertheNewBusinessExperience.RAISINGSPIRITS.REALIZINGDREAMS.SamsungisproudtosupportAdaptiveSpiritandtheUSAdaptiveSkiTeamCONNECTWITHADAPTIVESPIRITwww.adaptivespirit.com CNOSSENSNEWESTMISSIONMEANSHAVINGTOPLAYALITTLECATCH-UPItwouldnotbeunlikeohmaybetryingtoperformneurosurgeryafterlittlemorethanafewLearningAnnexcoursesandanin-structionbookortwo.OrmaybeplayingforaselloutcrowdwithlittlemoreknowledgeofmusicthanwhatyoumighthavepickedupplayingGuitarHeroonyourWii.YetDanCnossenadisabledNavySealanddoubleamputeefromTopekaisworkinglikethedevilthesedaystotrytoachievethecross-countryequivalentofthosekindsofskillsets.The33-year-oldwhoremainsonactivedutyintheNavyisgivinghisalltotrytoovercomethelongestofoddsandearnaspotonthe2014U.S.NordicSkiTeam.HisgoalistocompeteintheSochiParalym-picsagainstthenestcross-countryadaptiveskiersintheworldhavingpickedupthesportfouryearsago.Infactwhenaskedrecentlyifhehadcompetedinthe2010GamesinVancouverCnossenpolitelysaidnohehadactuallybeeninWalterReedHospitalin2010re-coveringfromhavingjuststeppedonanIEDandhavingjustlostbothlegswhileondutyinAfghanistan.Theskiinghesaidcameafewmonthsafterthatasameansofphysi-caltherapy.AndhisParalympicdreamsgrewoutofhisworkinrehab. 24CnossentoldAdaptiveSpiritthatwhilehistrainingasaSealhasbeenhelpfulinwhathestryingtodoasaskierithasnotalwaysbeenanalogousandwasnotbyanymeansimmediatelytransferrable.Inskiingeventhelongestracessay15konlylastmaybe50minutesorso.Sotheyrereallynotthatlong.ButwhenyouredoingBUDsbasicunderwaterdemolitionandNavySealeldtrainingyourebeingtrainedtopushyourselfforhoursuponhoursandtooperatewhilecoldwetandwithvirtuallynosleepatall.Itsamuchdierentexperience.ThatbeingsaidhoweverCnossenadmitsthereisatleastoneaspectofBUDtrainingthathasdovetailedperfectlywiththelonelinessandphysicalrigorsoftryingtoturnoneselfintoaworld-classcross-countryskiracer.ThementaltoughnessthatissomethingthatyoureallypickupwhiledoingBUDsthatwithoutquestioncomesintoplaywhiletrainingforwhatImdoingnow.HavingjustspentthespringaspartofthetesteventinSochitohelpRussianocialsprepareforthe2014ParalympicsandthenhavingtrainedintenselyintheinterimincludingathreeweekstintinBendOregoninspringlikeconditionsCnossenisnowlookingtogivehisbodyarestforafewweeksbeforeramp-ingupforthe2013-14seasonbyengaginginsomehigh-impactmountainboardingtogoalongwithhisregulargymwork.IncludedinCnossenstrainingmayormaynotbeatriptoArgentinatocompeteintheArgentineNationalsandgetbackonreal-lifesnow.TheproblemhefacesintryingtogettoArgentinaisaproblemfacedbyalmosteverymemberoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamthatofpersonalexpenses.ThetriptoSouthAmericawillsetCnossenbackatleastbyhisestima-tionssome6000.FortunatelywhateverfundsheisnotabletocomeupwithonhisownagroupcallingitselfTeamSemperFianorganizationthatsupportswoundedanddisabledex-Ma-rinesthroughoutthecountryinmanydierentwayshastoldCnossenthateventhoughheisaNavymanandnotaMarinetheywillsupporthimandgivehimwhateverfundsarerequiredtomakehistriptoArgentinaareality.AsforhisexpectationsforSochiandthe2014ParalympicsCnossenremainsanicebalancebetweenoptimisticandrealisticabouthischancesatapodium.WhilehebelieveshelearnedsomeimportantlocalknowledgeduringtheSochitesteventinMarchandthatmaybeabletosneakuponafewoftheunsuspectingRussianswhoremainthedominantforceintheworldofadap-tiveNordicskiinghealsofeelsthatasacompetitorhestillhasalongwaytogoatleastfromatechniquestandpoint.ImstillverynewatthisanditsaverytoughsportsaidCnossenwhologshiseveryworkoutandracemeticulouslysothathecanlearnfromhismistakesandcharthisprogress.ButIpromiseyouthisSochiwillnotbethefastestIeverskibeforeImthrough.AndIwillcontinuetolearnandcontinuetogetbettereverytimeIgooutthere.HethenaddedLookIexpectthateveryoneoutthereisgoingtogive100percentsointhatsenseIllbenodierentthananyoneelse.ButIamtrainingashardasIcanandIwillgiveitallthatIhave.AndIllknowthatregardlessofwhathappensinSochiIcouldnothavedoneanythingmore.TheproblemhefacesintryingtogettoArgentinaisonefacedbyalmosteverymemberoftheParalympicTeampersonalexpenses. ANEVERYONEEVERYWHEREWORLDEveryonedeservesachancetoulflltheirpotential.ThatswhytheConnecttoLearnprojectexists.Itusesinormationandcommunicationstechnologynotjusttoimproveaccesstoeducationbuttogreatlyenhancethequalityoeducationorchildreneverywhere.Becausehowyoubeginotenaectswhereyouendupgoing. 26dierentlengthshandswithwebbedngersandnothumbssixtoesoneachfootandthelackofaweight-bearingshinboneineachcalf.Fast-forwardsevenyearsMasterndsherselfadoptedbyanunmarriedcollegeprofessorfromBualoNewYorkwhotakesherinandmakessuretheyounggirlstartstoreceivethelevelofmedicalattentionandexpertisehervariousconditionshadbeendemandingforyears.ThatattentionincludesthelastfewofsevendierentoperationsshehadearlyinlifeandultimatelytheremovalofbothlegsaboveOksanasknees.Thatlastpartisthebadnews.ThegoodnewsisthatforthersttimeinherlifeMastersnallyhastwofunctioninghandslegsthatnolongercauseherconstantpainandabodythatisatlonglastdiseasefreeandworkingwithhernotagainsther.Sheisnallyayoungladywhoisphysicallyreadytotackleallthatlifehastooerthosewithtalentandambitioninheradoptedcountry.Mastershadbegunrowingevenbeforeherrightlegwasamputatedandsoonbegandoingsocompetitively.By2010shehadgottensogoodthatshehadestablishedaworldrecordinthesport.ThatsameyearshenotonlymadehistoryastherstadaptivescullertoraceintheIndianapolisRowingClubregattasheactuallywonthewomensopendivisioneasilyoutpacingaeldofable-bodiedcompetitors.Itwasclearthatthesportofrowinghadanemergingsuperstaronitshandsable-bodiedorotherwise.Roughlyayearlaterseeingherobviousgiftforthesportandrealizingshehadtotrainatthenextlevelhercoachrecom-mendedthatMasterscouldactuallybegoodenoughtomaketheU.S.ParalympicsquadandthatherbestbetwouldbetoteamwithaninjuredwarveteranheknewaformerMarinewhohadParalympicbronzemedalistOksanaMastersisshootingforanothermedalthistimeinasportshetookuplessthansixmonthsago.SomethirtyyearsagoSyracuseUniversitybasketballcoachJimBoeheimwascontemplatingwhowouldplaycenterforhimintheupcomingseasonwhenintohisocewalkedakidfromLeba-nonwithhandsthesizeofpizzasandaskedhimafavor.Thekidwantedtoknowifthelegendarycoachwouldmindgivinghimatryout.TwoyearslaterhisSyracuseOrangemenfoundthem-selvesinthenalgameoftheNCAAFinalFourledbytheirAllAmericancenterakidnamedRonySeikaly.Nowthenalchapterhasyettobewrittenbutthatkindofout-of-the-bluerequestfromadierence-makerofanathleteisnotunlikewhathappenedthisspringtotheNordicocialsoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamwhenoneoftherisingstarsinallofParalympicsportsawomanwholikesomesupernovahadseeminglymadehermarkovernightinacompletelydierentdisciplinewalkeduptothemonedayandsaidshedliketotryoutfortheirteamthismindyoudespitethefactshehadonlybeenoncross-countryskisafewtimesinherlifeandhadneveronceeventhoughtofcompetingonthem.MeetOksanaMastersUkrainianimmigrantadopteedoubleamputeeParalympicbronzemedalistinmixed-teamrowingandNordicwannabe.TheearlylifeofOksanaMasterswasstraightoutofDickens.BornintheUkraineandleftbyherbirthparentsatanorphan-ageshegrewupinthatsameorphanagewhereperhapsduetoherbirthmothersexposuretotheradiationemanatingfromanearbynucleardumpingsiteshehadbeenbornwithanumberoflife-challengingphysicaldefectsincludinglegsoftwoextremelyNEWHORIZONS AndImgoingtodomybestIpromiseyouthat.Ilovethesport.lostbothlegsinAfghanistanwhowasmakinganameforhimselfintheWashingtonD.C.area.SoonMasterswastrainingdailywithpartnerRobJonesandafewmonthslatertheduobill-ingthemselvesasTeamBadCompanygotgoodenoughtoactuallywinboththeAdaptiveWorldChampionshipstrialsandtheU.S.Paralympicqualicationnals.BeforetheyevenknewwhathadhitthemtheywereontheirwaytoLondontocompeteintheirrst-everParalympics.OntheThamesbattlingworld-classscullersfromallovertheworldandracingagainstpowerfulteamswithnotonlyafargreaterwealthofexperiencebutmuchmoretimetogetheronthewaterMastersandJonesshockedtherowingestablish-mentbynishingthirdinthetrunk-and-armsmixed-doublescullsandearningwhattomanywasanutterlyunexpectedspotonthepodium.Overthepastyearorsoduenodoubttoherunmistak-ableandevenstrikingcombinationofcharmbeautyandworld-classtalentOksanahasemergedassomethingofacelebrity.ShewasrecentlyfeaturedinSouthwestAirlinesin-ightmagazineSpiritandinthepagesofSportsIllustrated.Priortothe2012SummerParalympicGamesinLondonshewasnamedoneof10U.S.athletestowatchbytheBritishnewspaperTheGuardianandwasnamedoneofthe11hottestParalympicathletesbyMSN.ButallthatpaledwhenshewasapproachedbyESPNtheMagazineandaskedtobeapartofthe2012editionofESPNsannualBodyIssue.Withoutknowinganythingabouttheissueorwhatitentailedsheimmediatelyagreedtobeincludedwithoutrealizingthateveryathletefeaturedwascompletelynaked.Butbythenshehadgivenherwordanddidnotwanttobackout.Theresultsendedupbeingtasteful.ButOksanaMastersnudelayoutwasimportantbecausealltitillationasideithelpedpullbackthecurtainandatleastinsomesmallmeasuredemys-tifywhatitmeanstohaveadisability.AndmorethananythingelsebyposingwithoutclothesandappearingbeforemillionsofeyesinsucharefreshinglyopenandcandidmannerMastersshowedtheworldthataphysicaldisabilitycanbeandoftenisbeautiful.Infactshelatersaidthehardestpartofdoingtheshootwasntsomuchposingnudeitwasgettingpastthefactthattheshootwasnotabouther.Itwasaboutpeopleeverywherewhowereinherwordsinanywayshapeorformphysicallydierentfromthetraditionalconceptofbeauty.ThoughshesaysItwasalittleweirdatrstsittinginaboatnakedtheywereverypro-fessionalandmademefeelverycomfortable.IjustkepttellingmyselfthisisforallthosepeopleouttherewhodonttsocietystraditionalBarbie-dollconceptofwhatrealbeautyis.AsformakingtheteamandcompetinginSochiironicallynotallthatfarfromwhereshespenttherstsevenyearsofherlifeMastersisentirelyrealisticaboutherchancesparticularlyaboutthelatter.ImnotkiddingmyselfshesaidofherexpectationsforSochi.Imnotexpectingtowinamedalorbeanywherenearthepodiumoreveninthetoptenforthatmatter.ShethenaddedImjustgoingtogoovertherehopefullythatisandbeproudtorepresenttheUSA.AndImgoingtodomybestIpromiseyouthat.Ilovethesport.Itsanewanddierentchal-lengeanditsgotmyfullattention.OksanaMastersmaybenewtothiswholeskiingthingandshemaybeafewyearsfromactuallybeingabletodoasaNordicracerwhatshesshownshecandoasasculler.Butbasedonherhistorytrackrecordandwillingnesstodiveinheadrstwhencommittingtosomethingnottomentionofcourseherap-parentimmunitytothefearoffailureitappearsthatonlyafoolwouldbetagainsther. 2013RACESUMMARYYOUTHRACESTotalKids34GIRLSAges7andUnderCambrieMahonchak70.30AveryQuinlan132.00ElleDavis134.00Ages8-11AnnieJohanning31.10GraceJardine32.60AlainaRawlings34.00Ages12andolderKateKirwood24.40SydneyKingston37.50BOYSAges7andUnderBennettJardine34.49LiamRichards40.30CadenMahonchak40.50Ages8-11NickKirwood26.40JonathanRawlings32.50MaxKuybus34.50Ages12andOlderConnorKuybus30.80ChrisWood33.70JackDuy36.40ADULTRACESTotalRacers260TotalTeams52FASTESTFEMALEMarniSesermanCox25.82BrendaKirwoodHBO27.08JenniferZancaDisneyESPNMediaNetworks27.30FASTESTMALEBenThrombCox24.08ClayKirwoodHBO24.18JeKirwoodHBO24.59SNOWBOARDJohnMcComuskieSeaChange30.86RossGilsonTechnicolor35.32JePrattAMDOCS39.87MASTERSMENANDWOMANCrawfordHamiltonIONMedia30.67BESTDRESSEDCASGroupZootSuitsFlapperBESTCRASHDerekThibodeauguestofVubiquityMOSTTIMESPENTONCOURSEHuaweiortheHighway413.40 TEAMSPORTDIVISIONDeluxeDigital203.53ChrisRittlerCraigHeitingJeChenWendyChenAllisonJonesCisco3203.81JohnValiquetteJeannieValiquetteLaurieColburnKevinJonesTylerWalkerTechnicolor2210.06RossGilsonZJimMedicaDeanOsbourneMeghanEricksonTEAMCOMPETITIVEDIVISIONHBO133.32PeterBanBrendaKirwoodJeKirwoodClayKirwoodLaurieStephensCox145.72MarniSesermanMickObeleskiKateKirwoodNickKirwoodRalphGreenDisneyESPNNetworks152.92SteveRaymondJenniferZancaBenThrombJasonJohanningLindsayBallDianeBarrasguide 0ASPECIALTHANKSTheMODSquadElizabethBrannenAllisonLaylandJulieLuplowKatieMooreDedeMorelandJamiePriceLynnPriceRaceCommitteeKathleenBerryJillLovettMiguelPriestBillWoodKierstenWoodSilentAuctionSethAdlerDaveFoxCraigKioskiCodyMaxwellStephanieThibodeauNoExcusesUnlimitedBoardofDirectorsChrisWaddellChairmanRickSimmsTreasurerSusanBurgstinerDirectorKelleyFoxDirectorWillyStewartDirectorChuckEllisAdvisorTrygveMyhrenAdvisorU.S.OlympicCommitteeCharlieHuebnerParalympicChiefMarketingDesignandCopySDMarketingAdvertisingKathleenBerryEllenBrussMichelleCassoDenisFrolovLisaHerbelBruceHolmesAnneMarieHukriedeJillLovettMadisonStrouse2013MagazineSDMarketingAdvertisingConceptandDesignM.C.AntilWriterandEditorPhotographyTrekkerPhotographyDanDavisSeanBoggsMiguelPriestPhotographyAdaptiveSpiritWebsiteServicesSDMarketingAdvertisingGameSnake.comAdaptiveSpiritEmailCommunicationServicesKnoticeVailAssociatesInc.AnneReddenBryanRooneyOn-siteVolunteersAdaptiveSpiritBoardofDirectorsSteveRaymondChairpersonAmosSmithTreasurerDeborahFlippoSecretaryJayRollsDirectorJoeRooneyDirectorRonPitcockDirectorNomiBergmanDirectorMikeHayashiDirectorKenTolleLegalLiaisonPLATINUMAmdocsCiscoCoxCommunicationsDisneyESPNMediaNetworksEricssonHBOHuaweiTechnologiesUSANBCUniversalGOLDBrightHouseNetworksDeluxeDigitalDistributionNetCrackerTechnologySamsungSDMarketingAdvertisingSILVERAlcatel-LucentARRISContecCSGInternationalDRAFTFCBFujitsuGameSnake.comHorowitzAssociatesMarketMulticulturalResearchHumaxUSAInc.IONMediaNetworksMotorolaSeaChangeInternationalStarzEntertainmentTechnicolorBRONZEAccentureADBCableInc.AlticastBBCAmericaBBCWorldNewsCASGroupCharterCommunicationsCienaCognizantConvergysDBFirstsourceSolutionsFoxNetworksFoxNewsChannelFoxBusinessNetworkGMCAspireiNDEMANDKnoticeMediaVestMRVOpticalCommunicationsSystemsMyhrenMediaNetScoutSystemsNeustarNewEnglandSportsNetworkNESNNFLNetworkOutdoorChannelPeriscopeSandCherryAssociatesScrippsNetworksInteractiveThinkAnalyticsTurnerBroadcastingSystemUnivisionVisibleWorldVubiquitySPONSORS U.S.NATIONALPARALYMPICSKITEAM2013StaffBradAlireAlpineCoachEileenCareyNordicStaBethAnnChamberlainNordicCoachJohnFarraNordicHigh-PerformanceDirectorKevinJardineAlpineHigh-PerformanceDirectorAlpineTeamLindsayBallDianeBarrasGuideJasminBamburMarkBathumSlaterStoreyGuideHeathCalhounChrisDevlin-YoungMeghanEricksonRalphGreenGeraldHaydenSarahHolmStephanieJallenAllisonJonesAndrewKurkaStephenLawlerJonathanLujanStaciMannellaKimSeeversGuideScottMeyerAlanaNicholsPatrickParnellGregPeckMelanieSchwartzJamesStantonLaurieStephensJoeTompkinsDanelleUmsteadRobUmsteadGuideStephaniVictorTylerWalkerNordicTeamDanCnossenErikFrazierSeanHalstedAugustoPerezAndySouleKristyVaughnJeremyWagnerMarkKellyAlpineTechnicianDaveMarkNordicTechnicianJonathanMikaAlpineCoachKevinPillifantAlpineTherapistSeanRamsdenAlpineCoachGregRawlingsNordicStaTimRodmakerAlpineTrainerRobRosserNordicCoachShawnSchollNordicStaJessicaSmithParalympicSkiTeamManagerJamesUphamNordicHeadCoachRayWatkinsAlpineCoachMiahWheelerSnowboardTeamCoordinator MakeitPossibleProudSponsorofAdaptiveSpiritsSkiTAMwww.huawei.comus NBCUniversalisproudtobeaPlatinumSponsorofSkiTAM2013andasponsorofathletesSeanHalstedandStephaniVictor.SeanHalstedStephaniVictor YOURPROVENPARTNERIntodaysrapidlychangingreal-timeworldcableoperatorsneedaprovenpartnerthatcanoptimizetheirenterprisebyofferingcomprehensiveend-to-endsolutionsanddeliverycapabilities.Withitsglobalreachleading-edgetechnologyandunbrokentrackrecordofsuccessfuldeliveriesNetCrackerTechnologyisTHEProvenPartnerforCSPswhowanttoEliminateoperationalandbusinesssilosDeliverareal-timeexperienceinanon-demandworldVirtualizetheirnetworkwithSDN-readycapabilitiesEnhanceoperationalagilityusingmanagedservicesWWW.NETCRACKER.COM 2013CiscoSystemsInc.AllRightsReserved.Forover25yearswevehelpedmillionsofpeoplearoundtheworldgetconnected.cisco.comSomeofourmostrewardingconnectionshavecomethroughoursponsorshipoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamandthefriendshipswehaveenjoyedwithteammembersandAdaptiveSpiritsupporters.CongratulationstoeveryoneontheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeam.Yourskillontheslopesisonlyexceededbythespirityouexhibiteverytimewearefortunateenoughtobearoundyou.
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DanCnossenMissionImprobableSochiALittleTownHarborsBigDreamsSTEPHENLAWLERSKYSTHELIMITGOLDSTHEGOALOksanaMastersNewSportNewChallengesADAPTIVESPIRITMAGAZINE AtCoxwecelebratetheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamandtheirathleticabilitycourageandstrength.Andwesalutetheirabilitytomotivateandinspire.ThatswhywereaproudPlatinumsponsorofAdaptiveSpirits18thannualevent.yourfriendinthedigitalageCoxisaProudSponsorofAdaptiveSpirit.ThankyouAdaptiveSpiritforallyoudofortheamazingathletesoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeam. DearFriendsForallofyouwhoattendedtheAdaptiveSpiriteventinVailinAprilwehopeyouenjoyedrenewingbondswithindustrycolleaguesfriendsandfamily.AfterallthatisoursecretforsuccesscombiningbusinesswithsupportingtheamazingathletesoftheU.S.NationalParalympicSkiTeams.OurpartnershipwiththecableindustryandU.S.Paralympicscontinuestogrow.ThecableindustrycanbeespeciallyproudofitscontinuedsupportofAdaptiveSpiritwhichoverthelast18yearshasresultedindonationsofmorethan10milliontotheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeams.ThatsupporthasleddirectlytotheteamsabilitytotripleinsizeaddnewdevelopmenttalentwinyetanotherNationsCupawardcompetitionscholarshipstowoundedveteransandaddanewteamthatwillcompeteinSochitheU.S.ParalympicSnowboardTeam.OurcollectivesuccesshaspositionedtheteamforasuccessfulrunatmedalsinSochiRussiainMarchof2014.SomakeplanstocomecelebrateyourNationalParalympicSkiTeamssuccessinSochiandseeinpersontheresultsofourgreatpartnership.SteveRaymondCo-chairDisneyandESPNNetworksJoeRooneyCo-chairCoxCommunicationsAdaptiveSpiritHeadquarters2329WestMainSt.Suite207LittletonColorado80120303-797-9507www.adaptivespirit.comConnectKevinJardineAlpineTeamLiaisonU.S.OlympicCommitteeAlpineHigh-PerformanceDirectorBillFuteraAPPCo-ChairBrightHouseNetworksEVPCFOSteveHaveyAPPCo-ChairContecHoldingsSVPMarketingDeborahFlippoCommunicationsChairVubiquitySeniorDirectorAliateSalesAnneMarieHukriedeMarketingChairRaceCo-ChairSDMarketingAdvertisingVPClientServicesJohnFarraNordicTeamLiaisonU.S.OlympicCommitteeNordicHigh-PerformanceDirectorColetteCareyPublicityChairAXSTVDirectorMarketingPublicRelationsBradParobekRaceCo-ChairAmdocsExecutiveDirectorSalesSteveRaymondEventCo-ChairDisneyandESPNNetworksSVPNationalAccountsJoeRooneyEventCo-ChairCoxCommunicationsSVPBrandMediaNomiBergmanSilentAuctionCo-ChairBrightHouseNetworksPresidentPattyBullingtonSilentAuctionCo-ChairCharterMediaCorporateSeniorMarketingDirectorMollyMcCaskillSilentAuctionCo-ChairMJMEventsMarketingPresidentSusanBurgstinerSocialChairMarketingOnDemandPresidentCherylFeingoldSponsorCo-ChairTransCendResourcesCEONancyHeernanSponsorCo-ChairCoxCommunicationsDirectorVideoMarketingToddStewartSponsorCo-ChairBrightHouseNetworksCorporateVPAdvertisingAlexDAddioVideoChairDAddioCommunicationsOwnerLoriWoodVolunteerChairDigitasSeniorAssociateMarketing2013STEERINGCOMMITTEETABLEOFCONTENTSLivingLearningandLightheartedCompetition.............4AllRoadsLeadtoSochi..............................6OppositesAttract..................................8SpeedMerchantStephenLawler......................14DanCnossenMissionImprobable.....................23OksanaMastersNewSportNewChallenges.............262013RaceSummary...............................28ASpecialThanks..................................30EditorM.C.AntilProjectManagersAnneMarieHukriedeSDBruceHolmesSDJillLovettSDEditorialDesignDenisFrolovSDEllenBrussDesignsPhotographyDanDavisandSeanBoggsTrekkerphoto.com 4AndasalwayswhatpoppedoutoftheovenashortwhilelaterwasasavorymixofallthattheindustryndsgoodandworthwhileaboutAdaptiveSpiritalongwithonemoreexampleofwhysomanylongtimecableexecutivesremainsosteadfastintheirsupportoftheorganization.ThispastApriltheindustryasithasdonefor18consecu-tiveyearsandcountingmetonceagainonthesunnyslopesofthetinyskicommunityofVailColoradoforwhatuntilafewyearsagowasknownasSkiTAMafundraisertobenettheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamandnowthatorganizationsprimarysourceoffunding.Thisyearthroughacombinationofentryfeesdonationsanever-growingsilentauctionanincreasinglyanimatedandincreasinglynon-silentoneanda5050raetonamejustafewfestivitiesAdaptiveSpiritwasabletoraisesome1.3milliondollarsoverthecourseofitsfour-dayannualfund-raiserandski-a-thon.Amongthehighlightsofthe2013eventwastheever-popularexecutivesessiononThursdayafternoonfeaturingashasbeenthetraditionanumberofwell-placedandknowledgeableindus-tryexperts.ModeratedbyMichaelGrebbofCableFAXthepanelexploredEngagingConsumersthroughPersonalizedExpe-riences.FeaturedwereBrianCurtisseniordirectorofproductmanagementforComcastTimConnollyVPdigitaldistributionforDisneyESPNMediaNetworksAdaptiveSpiritsownJoeRooneySVPbrandandmediaatCoxCommunicationsandDhirajKumarheadofglobalperformancesolutionsatFacebook.TaniaYukiCEOofShareableewasgenerousenoughtollapanelspotatthelastminute.Onceagainfamilyfunfriendshipsalittlefriendlycompetitionandofcourseaterricandnoblecausegotpouredintoamixingbowlalongwithjusttheproperamountofindustrytalknetworkingandinsight.LIVINGLEARNINGANDLIGHTHEARTEDCOMPETITIONEventFacts1.3millionraisedthisyear950registrants59eventsponsors25activitysponsorsOver300SilentAuctionitemsdonated AsRooneysaidafterwardEveryyearithappensandeveryyearthisbecomestruerandtruer.IfyouweretogototheThurs-daysessioncloseyoureyesforgettherewerestunningmoun-tainsandwhoknowshowmanyskiersjustoutsidethedoorandsimplylistentothedepthtowhichthetopicswerebeingminednottomentionwhatwasbeingrevealedaboutthemyoudswearyouwerenotnestledintheheartoftheRockyMountainsbutseatedatsomehigh-levelcableconferenceinNewYorkLAorsomeotherindustryhotspot.AlsonewthisyearwaswhatwasbilledastheBrainTrustBreakfastanopportunitytosharefacetimeovereggsandcoeeinalaid-backcasualsettingwithMSOandindustryexecs.Theobjectivewastogiveattendeesachancetoaskthoseinapositiontoknowoneortwoburningquestionstheymayhavehadrattlingaroundtheirheads.AmongthoseenlistedforthebreakfastwereNomiBergmanofBrightHouseNetworksJayRollsofCharterandCassBakerofLeapfrog.ThewinnersofthisyearsracearacethrownwideopenbythelatescratchofafewofthetraditionalcontendersandusualsuspectswereTeamHBOfromtheCompetitiveDivisionmadeupofPeterBanBrendaKirwoodJeKirwoodClayKirwoodandLaurieStephens.AndfromtheSportDivisionteamDeluxeDigitalwonrstplaceChrisRittlerCraigHeitingJeChenWendyChenandAllisonJones.Fortheadultsandindustrytypesamongthemanysocialandnetworkingeventsthisyearwerethe18thAnnualOntheTownatEaglesNestsponsoredbyEricssonJuniperNetworksandMotorolaandtheAfterHoursPartyatblEricsson.Andtheweekendwasonceagainpepperedwithsuchkid-friendlyandparent-freechoicesastheYouthRacesponsoredbyContectheKidsFilmFestiNDEMANDthekidSceneSnowDowntuberaceHDNetMovieskidSceneandtheever-popularSaturdaynightKidsPartyDisney. 6UntilafewyearsagoSochiRussiawasjustonemorelargelyanonymoustownnestledsomewhereintheheartofAsiabetweenthesprawlingBlackSeaandtheruggedCaucasusMountains.ButthatwasbeforeitwasannouncedthatSochiwouldbehostingthe2014WinterOlympicandParalympicGames.SincethentothousandsofyoungmaleandfemaleathletestheworldoverinanynumberofsportsSochiwillbecomesomecombinationofOzandtheproverbialpotofgoldattheendoftherainbow.ForthemembersoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamthesedaysitseemsalmostimpossibletoengageinanyconversationaboutanysubjectwithoutinvariablyndingthemactivelytalkingSochiandthe2014Paralympics.UnlikeSaltLakeCityunlikeVancouverreallyunlikealmostanyParalympicgamesinmem-orytheseloomingSochigamesseemtohavetakenonalevelofimportanceandfocusinthemindsofprospectivecompetitorsthatfewotherseverhave.Onereasonforthatisnodoubttherelocationin2010oftheU.S.AdaptiveSkiTeamsfromundertheirformerparentorganizationtheUnitedStatesSkiandSnowboardAssociationUSSAtounderthewingofU.S.ParalympicsadivisionoftheU.S.OlympicCommittee.ButperhapsthebiggerreasonistheverypublicdisclosurebyU.S.ParalympicsthatthegoalofAmericanteamsgoingforwardstartinginSochiwastobringhomemoremedalsandearnmorepodiumsthananyteamandanycountryintheworld.Therehasbeeninotherwordsafargreateremphasisplacedonperformanceexcellenceandresultsin2014anobjectivethathasemergedassomethingofamission.AttheSochigamestheteamwillnditselfsquarelyunderthestronghandandwatchfuleyeofU.S.ParalympicsnottomentionitsenergeticfocusedanddeeplypassionateexecutivedirectorCharlieHueb-nerthegauntlethasclearlybeenthrowndown.SaidHuebnertopursueexcellenceittakesacomprehen-siveapproachincludingndingtherightathletesthroughtalentIDstrongcoachingsportsciencesportsmedicinetechnologysupportandcompetitiveopportunitiesagainstthebestintheworld.AndthataccordingtoHuebnerisexactlywhatallPara-lympicteamsarenowbeingsystematicallyaorded.ForthecoachesSochirepresentsagreatopportunityonsomanylevelsandmanyofthemcannotwaitforthegamestobegin.KevinJardineisonesuchcoach.HehasbeeninvolvedwiththeteaminsomecapacityduringanynumberofpreviousParalympicgamesandhesaidthatSochiwillpresentagreatop-portunityfortheU.S.athletestofocuslessonfamilyandfriendsandmoreonthetaskathand.Suretherearegoingtobefriendsandfamilymembersaroundtherealwaysare.SaltLakewasprobablytheworstinthatregard.ButinSochitheathletesarenotgoingtondthemselvesconstantlydistractedbythingslikeTVorworriedaboutsocialcommitmentstheymayhavemade.Theyregoingtobeabletoconcentrateandfocusmoreonwhywerethereandthegoalswevesetforourselveshesaid.NordiccoachJohnFarraisexcitedaboutSochibecausehesaiditrepresentsthersttimeinParalympichistorythattheU.S.teamwillbebringingsomethingmorethanahandfulofathletestocompeteintheNordicevents.UnlikepastParalympicswhichoperatedwithave-personcaponNordicteamsthese2014gameswillseesome15dierentNordicathletescompetingfortheU.S.eachrepresentingadierentskiingandsometimesshootingstyleandstrength.Itusedtobeyoucouldalmostnametheteamwithoutevenwatchingthemcompete.Butnotanylonger.ThisyearIthinkU.S.Paralympicsrealizedthatifweareevergoingtogrowoursportinthiscountryandareevergo-ingtobeabletocompeteconsistentlyinternationallywearego-ALLROADSLEADTOSOCHIThegoalofAmericanteamsstartinginSochiwillbetobringhomemoremedalsandearnmorepodiumsthananycountryintheworld. undertrue-to-lifeconditions.Thetestraceprovedtobeaworth-whileexerciseandsnowconditionsinSochiverymuchmirroredtheonesthattheteamexperienceseverysummerinMt.Hoodwheretheytrain.AsaresultU.S.ocialswereabletolendmorethanafairshareofexpertisetotheSochiraceocialswhilegiv-ingthemhands-ondemonstrationsoftheinsandoutsofgroom-ingandmanufacturingsnowunderwarmspringlikeconditions.AsfortheathletesthemselvesperhapsthewholeconceptofandcollectivefocusonSochiwasbestsummedupbyStaciMan-nellawhosaidEversinceIrststartedskiingcompetitivelyIvebeenhearingaboutSochiandthe2014Paralympics.SochiwasmademygoalbackthenandSochiremainsmygoaltoday.ingtodoitbyincreasingtheopportunitiesforpeopletocompeteandhopefullywin.FarraaddedthatbecausethegoalofU.S.ParalympicsistoearnmoremedalsthananyteamintheworldnumbersalonedictateditwasimportanttobeefupnotonlythequalitybutthequantityofathletesontheNordicroster.55percentofallmedalsawardedgotoNordiceventssoitstandstoreasonthatifwewanttowinmoremedalswehavetofocusontheNordicevents.ThisyeartheU.S.teamparticipatedinaneventthatamountedtosomethingofadryrunforthe2014ParalympicsandwhichgaveRussianocialsanopportunitytotesttheirmettleaseventorganizerscoursegroomersandraceocialsProudsponsorsoftheU.S.ParalympicNationalSkiTeamandAdaptiveSpiritsince2004www.sd-advertising.comStrategicPlanningDigitalMarketingTraditionalMarketingProjectManagement OPPOSITESATTRACTInmanywaystheycouldntbemoredissimilar.Oneisaseasonedprofessionaltheotherjustafewdaysremovedfromherjuniorprom.Oneiscomfortablynestledintotheresponsi-bilitiesandchallengesofbeingawomaninmid-lifetheotherisayoungsterwhofeelslifeisonlynowstartingtounfold.Onegrewupfocusedanddriventoachievesuccesstheotheralwaystooksuccessasitcamebutwouldnthavemisseditifitneverbotheredtoknockonherdoor.MeetStaciMannellaandKimSeeverstheunlikeliestofpart-ners.TheformerisavisuallyimpairedskierwhosjustnowstartingtoByM.C.AntilDespitetheirdierencesavisuallyimpairedrisingstarandherveteranguidehavemadeitcleartheyintendtobeheardfrom...andsoon 10realizehowgoodshecanbethelatterisMannellasguidementorandperhapsaboveallapersoncommittedtomakingsuresheexploreseverylastounceofherconsiderabletalentforskiracing.MannellaandSeeversrstmetonWindhamMountainin2008whereSeeversalifelongtnessandskiinstructorandthesedaysagrantwriterfortheAdaptiveSportsFoundationhadjustreturnedafteratwoyearstintlivinginColorado.OnethingledtoanotherandbeforeyouknewitSeevershadacquiredabrandnewprotgafun-lovinglaid-back11-year-oldfromacrosstheHudsonRiverinNewJerseyalittlegirlwhodskiedsincetheageoffourandwhoseparentsrecentlyboughtasmallhomenotfarfromWindhamsotheycouldspendweekendsski-ingasafamilyfromtherstsnowfalltothenalspringthaw.InnotimeSeeversandMannellafoundthemselvesworkingtogetherjustabouteveryweekend.AndeventuallywithStacisparentspermissiontheybegantakingshorttripstoparticipateinanumberofsmallerregionaljunioradaptiveskiraces.ItwasashorttwomonthslaterintheU.S.AdaptiveNa-tionalChampionshipsbeingheldinWinterParkColoradoracingagainstanumberofadultskiersandonafarmorechallengingcourselayoutthantheydbeenusedtothatSeeversbegantofullyrealizewhatshehadinMannella.AboutmidwaythroughtheirrstrunSeeversadrivenandhighlyaccomplishedskierrealizedshewasprobablypushingheryoungchargeabittoohard.Andasshecametothatrealizationandinstinctivelybegantopullbackshealsorealizedthatrightonhertailnomorethanafewfeetbehindherandattackingthemountaininherabsolutemirrorimagelisteningtoandactingontheinstructionsshedbeenbarkingoutwasawide-eyedlittlegirlwhonotonlydidntseemintimidatedbytheexperienceorthecompetitionbutwhoactuallyseemedtobethrivingonthem.Atthatmomentimaginingthefresh-faced12-year-oldjustafewfeetbehindherskiinglikethedeviltotryandbeattheadultsshewasupagainstandrealizingthetwowereactuallygoingtomakeitdownthemountaininonepieceasateamSeeverssuddenlybegandoingwhatanyself-respectingprofessionalskiguidewoulddointhatsituationshebegantocry.AndshekeptcryingevenasshecontinuedtobarkoutinstructionstoMan-nellaatthetopofherlungswithavoicethatsoonbegancrackingwiththeemotionofthemomentandevenasshecrossedthenishlinewithtearsstreamingdownhertwobright-redicy-coldcheeks.WhileinsomanywaysSeeversandMannellaareasdier-entasnightanddaythereareatleasttwothingstheysharethat makethemaverygoodandpotentiallyworld-classracingteam.Botharestrongphysicallypowerfulwomenandbothmatchoneanotherinsizeandweight.Whatsmoretheybothreallylovetoskifast.AndthecombinationofthosethingscanandoftendoesleadtooneWorldCupandParalympicpodiumafteranother.AsforthesamenessintheirsizeandbodytypeSeeversex-plainedtheimportance.PriortomeetingMannellaSeevershadworkedwithanotheryoungvision-impairedParalympicathletefromtheAdaptiveSportsFoundationnamedCaitieSarubbi.Sa-rubbiisapetiteyoungladywhoisalmostelninstatureandwholikedtoskiafairdistancebehindSeevers.Thedierencesintheirphysicalsizehelpeddeneboththeirskiingstyleandtheirdy-namicasateamoftenleadingtoaninconsistentgapbetweenthepairdependingonthepitchofthehillorsetoftheracecourse.FromdayonehoweverMannellachosetopositionherselfdirectlybehindSeeversandkeepheratalltimesalmostliter-allywithinarmsreach.Duringcompetitionthisallowedheratleasttosomedegreetoactuallyseeherguideandrelylessonoralinstructions.IhaveachromatopsiaMannellaexplained.ThatmeansImverylightsensitivehaveahighdegreeofcolorblindnessandcannotseedistancesatall.SoIliketoskiascloseasIcantoKimsoIcanseeherasclearaspossible.ThatallowsmetobeasaccurateasIcanwithmyturnsmyweightshiftsandeverythingelseImdoingupthere.Fieldofvisionasidehowevertheideaoftwosimilarlybuiltandlike-sizedwomenbothskiingatpeakcapacityandattackingthemountainasavirtualsingleunitwhileleveragingsuchscien-ticadvantagesasgravityandareductioninwindresistancehastheParalympiccoachingstaalmostgiddywithexcitement.AsKevinJardinesaidStacihasbuilt-inadvantagesasaracerandweretryingtogethertounderstandthatandtakefulladvantageofthem.Imnotsuresheevenrealizeshowgoodshehasitinhertobe.SaidSeeversStacihastheheartofachampion.Nowshejusthastogetthatintoherhead.ShethenaddedthatforMan-nellaalltheelementsarethereexceptperhapsexperience.IloveworkingwithStaci.Sheshonesthard-workingandcom-pletelyaccountableforthethingsshedoes.Itsbeenarealthrilltowatchhergrowovertheyears.AndImsurethatthemoreexperienceshegainsthebettershesgoingtobecome.Theyearaheadpromisestobeamuchmorefocusedandski-centriconeforMannellawhowillbeenteringhernalyearofhighschoolwhereshecontinuestotakeclassesspecicallydesignedtoallowhertopursuehergoalofbecomingaveteri-narian.Behindherwillbethispastyearacrazystressfulpairofsemestersinwhichshetookanumberofhonors-levelcoursestookalltherequisitecollegeexamschallengedherselfasneverbeforeacademicallyandattemptedtodoonweekendswhatmanyofherteammatesandfellowcompetitorswerespendingfullweeksdoingnamelytrainingskiingandworkingontheirvariousracingtechniques.NotonlyhastheWorldCupschedulegrownvirtually100percentthisseasonbut2014willbeaParalympicyearandMannellassightsremainastheyhaveforsixyearsxedsquarelyonSochi.IvebeenhearingaboutthisplacecalledSochiforsixyearsasifitslikeOzorsomethingshesaid.KimmadeearningapodiuminSochiourgoalsixyearsagowhenwerststartedworkingtogetheranditremainsourgoaltoday.ThegoodnewsisasaseniorthiscomingyearMannellawillhavemoretimetohitthegymandtraveltoWorldCupeventsthanshedidinthepastandshehopesthesituationwillallowhertotakeagiantleapforwardinbothhertrainingandherresults.WhenaskedrecentlyshewascandidandhonestwithanyonewillingtolistenabouthowshegottowheresheisandwhyshenowndsherselfsoclosetoWorldCupandParalympicgreat-nessthatsheandnodoubtSeeverscantasteit.NoquestionIwouldnotbeherewithoutKimshesaid.InfactfortherstfewyearsweweretogetherIgottabehonestthiswasprobablymoreherdreamthanmine.Butthatdreamisclearlymutualnow.AndyetsomehowthroughitallStaciMannellaremainsexactlywhosheisandwhoshesbeenforquitesometimeatypicalalmostpainfullynormalkidfromJerseywhosjusthavingfunhanginglooseanddoingthebestshecanevenasshesundertakingthedauntingtaskofcompetingagainstthenestadaptiveskiersintheworld.AsshesaidlatelastseasontoaveryedgySeeversinthestart-inggateofoneparticularlycriticalnationalchampionshipracewhenthelatteraskedhowshewasabletostaysocalmKimcmon.Youhavethehardpart.AllIhavetodoisfollowyou.IwouldnotbeherewithoutKimsaysMannella.InfactIgottabehonestthiswasprobablymoreherdreamthanmine. SAVETHEDATEADAPTIVESPIRIT19THANNUALAPRIL3-62014VAILCO SimplifyingMultiscreenContentDeliveryDeluxeOnDemandisrevolutionizingdigitalhomeentertainmentwithitsleadingmultiscreen-readystudioqualityvideocatalogservice.Thecloud-basedsolutioneasilyintegrateswithyourVODecosystemandsimplifiestheaccessanddeliveryoftitles.DeluxeOnDemandfeaturesanimpressivecatalogofhighqualitycontentpre-encodedandprepackagedwithpopularDRMsandcompressedtosavespaceandbandwidth.Quicklyaddnewservicessupportmoredevicesanddelivermorecompellingcontenttotheset-topboxandmultiscreenviewingexperienceswithouttheupfrontinvestment.UltraViolet-ready.Copyright2013DeuxeEntertainmentuDeluxeOnDemandOnDemandVideoCatalogServiceForAnOnDemandWorldThousandsoftitles.Hundredsofdevices.Readyforyourcustomersanytimeanywhere.www.deluxeondemand.comMorethan40000titlespre-encodedinover50formatsPre-encryptedandpre-packagedwithpopularDRMsHigherqualitycompressedVODencodesService-basedapproachsavestimemoneyandspeed-to-marketProudsponsorofthe18thannualSkiTAM.ALABAMACALIFORNIAFLORIDAINDIANAMICHIGANThankstoallofthevolunteerssponsorsandattendeesformakingthisyearseventanothermonumentalsuccess. SPEEDMERCHANTLAWLERSHRUGSOFFINJURIESFOCUSESONSOCHI anotheryetthroughitallremainsremarkablysteadfastinhisbeliefthathehasitinhimtobecomenotmerelyaworld-classmonoskierbutperhapsassoonasnextspringaParalympicchampion.ConsiderthisLawlertookahardfallandseparatedhisshoul-derduringthe2009-10seasonafterhavingmovedwestfromhisnativeVermonttoparticipateinWinterParksworld-famousadaptive-skiprogramaninjurythatcutshorthisseason.HewassubsequentlytoldbydoctorsthattheprobleminhisshouldercouldbecomechronicsohereturnedtoVermontforsurgeryandtorehabhisbrokenwing.AfewmonthslaterhewasbackinWinterParkandthatcomingseasonheskiedwellenoughtowinaspotonhisrst-everParalympicsquad.Butatthebeginningofthe2012-13WorldCupseasonLawlerfellyetagainandthistimediddamagetohisothershoul-VeryfewpeopleloveskiingfastasmuchasParalympichopefulStephenLawler.Nowifonlythefatesandhisbodywouldaccommodatehimhemightbeabletoputallthatspeedtouse.BYM.C.ANTILBeingbornwithspinabidaandlivinglifeinawheelchairmightbeconsideredenoughofaphysicalhurdleforanathletebutthathasntapparentlystoppedthefatesfromwantingtopileonStephenLawler.Overthepasttwoyearsthehumbleshyandconspicuouslyself-eacing22-year-oldhasbeenhamstrungbyoneinjuryafter 16OntheocialU.S.ParalympicssiteStephenLawleroersthese10factsabouthimselfOKmaybetheyrefactoidsoratleastfact-ishashepreparesforSochiandthe2014Paralympics.ThefactsbelowareStephens.Thecommentaryisours.STEPHENLAWLER10FUNFACTSder.TheinjurycosthimabigchunkofyetanotherseasonbutwhenherecoveredwellenoughtoskicompetitivelyhetraveledtoSpainwithhisteamonceagainbeganattackingthemountainwithhistrademarkblisteringbreakneckstyleandsomehownishedasurprisingsecondinthedownhill.ThatpodiumalongwithhislifelongpassionforspeedandthekindofintensivecoachinghedbeenreceivingonhisadmittedlyrawtechniqueovertwoParalympicseasonsledhimtobelieve2013-14wasgoingtobehisyearaseasonheenvisionedbeing1.ISTARTEDSKIINGAT10YEARSOLDHisrstskiingpartnershismotherandhisgrandmotherclaimhemusthavethoughthisbucketwasasledbecausehepointeditstraightdownhillandneverstopped.2.RACINGISINMYBLOODHisdadNoelLawlerisarst-generationimmigrantfromIrelandwhodiscoveredroadrallyracingasakidandneverlookedback.Heandhispartnernishedsecondinthe1998U.S.RallyCarChampionshipsandhewaslaterfeaturedonthecoverofaNintendo64videogame.AsStephensayshelikestothinkhewasborntorace.3.IVEBEENINAMOVIEWhenhewas13hewasdrivingcrosscountrywithhismotherwhenthetwostoppedinColoradoforadaysworthofskiing.Therehewasspot-tedbyadirectorwhowasmakinganeducationallmwithextremeskierGlenPlake.StephensroleinthelmwasnotabigonebutTheSnow-MonsterscanstillbeseenplayingattheBreckenridgeSkiResort.4.FREEDOMANDMAPLESYRUPSteveisaVermontguythroughandthroughandisunabashedlyproudofinre-verseorderthestatesmottoFreedomandUnitythefactthatVermontishometotheiconicBenandJerrysIceCreamplantandperhapsmostofallthequalityofhishomestatesmaplesyrupwhichheandmanyotherswillgototheirgravescontendingisthenestofitskindintheworld.5.ILOVEKIWISHistimewiththeU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamhastaughthimthathisfavoriteplacetovisitintheworldisNewZealand.Hecallsthemountainsamazingandsaysthecountryoersthenestsceneryheseverseen.Healsoclaimsthepeopleareincred-iblyfriendlyandthatrugbytheirfavoritepastimeisaprettycoolsport.6.IAMNOTTHECLEANESTPERSONOscarMadisonmoveover.Theresanewsheriintown.AndhisnameisStephencappedbyatleastonegoldmedalatthe2014GamesinSochiandsomeothersalongtheway.ButinMayjustamonthbeforehewastoleaveforMt.HoodwiththerestofhisParalympicteammatesandembarkuponthegruelingoseasontrainingtheyfaceeverysummerhelearnedhehaddevelopedaninfectionduringsomerecentnon-shoulder-relatedsurgeryasetbackthatprecludedhimfromparticipatingintheMt.Hoodtrainingandforcedhimtoremainallbutinactiveforweekswhilehisbodyfoughttheinfection. AsforhisskiingLawlersaidhesspentthepastthreeseasonstryingtounlearnmuchofwhathedalwaysthoughtheknewaboutmonoskiracing.AsakidfromtheEastwhocompetedagainstsomeoftenvastlyinferiorcompetitionheneverreallyhadtolearnmuchinthewayoftechnique.Allhehadtodowaspointhisbucketdownhillandgofasterthaneveryoneelse.Henowrealizesthatatleastwhenitcomestothegreatestsitskiersintheworldrawspeedwillonlytakehimsofar.Downhillismybesteventwithoutquestionhesaidrecently.ButIwouldwhobythewaywouldliketotakeamomenttopersonallyapologizetoallhisroommatesovertheyearsespeciallyTylerWalkerwhohesbunkingwiththissummerwhilebothareintrainingattheOTC.7.IAMAHUGESPORTSFANIfthereisagameonTVmoreoftenthannothecanbefoundwatchingit.AsforhisfavoriteteamsheclaimshesafanofboththeNewYorkGi-antsandtheBostonRedSox.Gogure.8.IMAFULLTIMEATHLETEHeconsidershimselfluckythatalpineskiingishisfull-timejobandthathisrelation-shipwithJuniperNetworkshasaordedhimalltheequipmentnecessaryforhimtotrainandperformtothebestofhisabilitywithouthavingtoworryaboutworking40hoursotheslopesjusttobeabletosurvive.9.THANKSMOMNotonlydidhismothergethimintoskiingasaboybutinhighschoolshewouldwakeupearlyeverydaytodrivehimtoallhispracticesandraces.AndformanyyearsStephenclaimsshewastheonlypersonfundinghisskiingcareer.Todayhesayssimplyhewouldntbewherehisiswithouther.10.IGETTOLIVEATTHEU.S.OLYMPICTRAININGCENTERWesupposewhenyoulivewhereyoutrainitcanthelpbutincreasethefrequencyofyourworkoutsnottomentionatleasteventuallytheirimpact. 1somedayliketobebestintheGS.WhenyouregoodintheGSasaskieryouhaveeverything.ThatsabigpartofthereasonheremainssuchahugefanofcurrentteammatesChrisDevlin-YoungandTylerWalker.NotonlyarebothlikeLawleroriginallyfromtheEastYoungandWalkerhailfromNewHampshirebuttheyaresogoodinsomanyeventsandtheyremaincompetitiveregardlessofthetrackandtheconditions.ThatswhatImstrivingforhesaid.Imlookingfortheconsistencythatallgreatracershave.HisheadcoachKevinJardinesaidLawlerhasasmuchnativeabilityasjustaboutanyskierheseverseen.Hejustneedstoworkonbecomingmoretechnicallyprocientonthemountain.Stevesjobandwhatwereworkingwithhimonisdevelopinghisracingtechnique.Atsomepointatthislevelofcompetitionandagainstthislevelofcompetitorrawspeedwillonlytakeyousofar.Youhavetobeabletoadapttoconditionsandthecourseandyouhavetolearnhowtosavefractionsofsecondsbyskiinginawaythatismoreaboutbeingsmartthanbeinginstinctive.InjuriesandinfectionsasideLawlerremainsundauntedheadingintothissummernottomentiontheseasonahead.HecontinuestooozequietcondenceinhimselfcontinuestofocusonthethingsheneedstoimprovebothinhisconditioningandhistechniqueandcontinuestokeephissightsandhisfocusaimedsquarelyonSochi.ThatswhyafterafewweeksrecoverybackhomewithhisfamilyinVermonthesaidhewillreturntotheOlympicTrainingCenterinColoradoSpringstoresumewhatfortwoyearsrunninghasbecomeavigorouso-seasontrainingregime.TheypushyouharderherethanIveeverbeenpushedinmylifehesaidofhistrainersattheOTC.ThatcoupledwithhissponsorshipfromJuniperNetworkswillhelpgethimbackontracktoSochi.WhenaskedwhatmostoutsidersmightnotknowabouthimLawlerthoughtforamomentthenrespondedYoumaylookatmeandImaylooklikeImhavingfunouttherebutwell.ImnotsurepeoplerealizehowhardIworkatthisorhowmuchIveputintoit.ThatmayallchangecomeMarchinaRussianvillagetheworldwillsooncometoknowasSochi.WhenyouregoodintheGSsaidLawlerasaskieryouhaveeverything. Almosteverysporthasitsspecialtyequipment.Butwhenitcomestoadaptivesportstheequipmentofday-to-daylifeandtheequipmentofsportoftenmeldintoone.WorldclassskierParalympichopefulandhighlydecoratedWoundedWarriorHeathCalhounrecentlypulledbackthecurtainlaidouthisequipmentforusandshowedthestaofAdaptiveSpiritjusthowtruethatreallyis.GEARUP GOODLUCKINSOCHIDisneyandESPNMediaNetworkscongratulatesAdaptiveSpiritandtheU.S.NationalParalympicSkiTeamonanothergreatyearDisneyABCFamily TheSamsungproductsthatpowertheNewBusinessExperience.RAISINGSPIRITS.REALIZINGDREAMS.SamsungisproudtosupportAdaptiveSpiritandtheUSAdaptiveSkiTeamCONNECTWITHADAPTIVESPIRITwww.adaptivespirit.com CNOSSENSNEWESTMISSIONMEANSHAVINGTOPLAYALITTLECATCH-UPItwouldnotbeunlikeohmaybetryingtoperformneurosurgeryafterlittlemorethanafewLearningAnnexcoursesandanin-structionbookortwo.OrmaybeplayingforaselloutcrowdwithlittlemoreknowledgeofmusicthanwhatyoumighthavepickedupplayingGuitarHeroonyourWii.YetDanCnossenadisabledNavySealanddoubleamputeefromTopekaisworkinglikethedevilthesedaystotrytoachievethecross-countryequivalentofthosekindsofskillsets.The33-year-oldwhoremainsonactivedutyintheNavyisgivinghisalltotrytoovercomethelongestofoddsandearnaspotonthe2014U.S.NordicSkiTeam.HisgoalistocompeteintheSochiParalym-picsagainstthenestcross-countryadaptiveskiersintheworldhavingpickedupthesportfouryearsago.Infactwhenaskedrecentlyifhehadcompetedinthe2010GamesinVancouverCnossenpolitelysaidnohehadactuallybeeninWalterReedHospitalin2010re-coveringfromhavingjuststeppedonanIEDandhavingjustlostbothlegswhileondutyinAfghanistan.Theskiinghesaidcameafewmonthsafterthatasameansofphysi-caltherapy.AndhisParalympicdreamsgrewoutofhisworkinrehab. 24CnossentoldAdaptiveSpiritthatwhilehistrainingasaSealhasbeenhelpfulinwhathestryingtodoasaskierithasnotalwaysbeenanalogousandwasnotbyanymeansimmediatelytransferrable.Inskiingeventhelongestracessay15konlylastmaybe50minutesorso.Sotheyrereallynotthatlong.ButwhenyouredoingBUDsbasicunderwaterdemolitionandNavySealeldtrainingyourebeingtrainedtopushyourselfforhoursuponhoursandtooperatewhilecoldwetandwithvirtuallynosleepatall.Itsamuchdierentexperience.ThatbeingsaidhoweverCnossenadmitsthereisatleastoneaspectofBUDtrainingthathasdovetailedperfectlywiththelonelinessandphysicalrigorsoftryingtoturnoneselfintoaworld-classcross-countryskiracer.ThementaltoughnessthatissomethingthatyoureallypickupwhiledoingBUDsthatwithoutquestioncomesintoplaywhiletrainingforwhatImdoingnow.HavingjustspentthespringaspartofthetesteventinSochitohelpRussianocialsprepareforthe2014ParalympicsandthenhavingtrainedintenselyintheinterimincludingathreeweekstintinBendOregoninspringlikeconditionsCnossenisnowlookingtogivehisbodyarestforafewweeksbeforeramp-ingupforthe2013-14seasonbyengaginginsomehigh-impactmountainboardingtogoalongwithhisregulargymwork.IncludedinCnossenstrainingmayormaynotbeatriptoArgentinatocompeteintheArgentineNationalsandgetbackonreal-lifesnow.TheproblemhefacesintryingtogettoArgentinaisaproblemfacedbyalmosteverymemberoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamthatofpersonalexpenses.ThetriptoSouthAmericawillsetCnossenbackatleastbyhisestima-tionssome6000.FortunatelywhateverfundsheisnotabletocomeupwithonhisownagroupcallingitselfTeamSemperFianorganizationthatsupportswoundedanddisabledex-Ma-rinesthroughoutthecountryinmanydierentwayshastoldCnossenthateventhoughheisaNavymanandnotaMarinetheywillsupporthimandgivehimwhateverfundsarerequiredtomakehistriptoArgentinaareality.AsforhisexpectationsforSochiandthe2014ParalympicsCnossenremainsanicebalancebetweenoptimisticandrealisticabouthischancesatapodium.WhilehebelieveshelearnedsomeimportantlocalknowledgeduringtheSochitesteventinMarchandthatmaybeabletosneakuponafewoftheunsuspectingRussianswhoremainthedominantforceintheworldofadap-tiveNordicskiinghealsofeelsthatasacompetitorhestillhasalongwaytogoatleastfromatechniquestandpoint.ImstillverynewatthisanditsaverytoughsportsaidCnossenwhologshiseveryworkoutandracemeticulouslysothathecanlearnfromhismistakesandcharthisprogress.ButIpromiseyouthisSochiwillnotbethefastestIeverskibeforeImthrough.AndIwillcontinuetolearnandcontinuetogetbettereverytimeIgooutthere.HethenaddedLookIexpectthateveryoneoutthereisgoingtogive100percentsointhatsenseIllbenodierentthananyoneelse.ButIamtrainingashardasIcanandIwillgiveitallthatIhave.AndIllknowthatregardlessofwhathappensinSochiIcouldnothavedoneanythingmore.TheproblemhefacesintryingtogettoArgentinaisonefacedbyalmosteverymemberoftheParalympicTeampersonalexpenses. ANEVERYONEEVERYWHEREWORLDEveryonedeservesachancetoulflltheirpotential.ThatswhytheConnecttoLearnprojectexists.Itusesinormationandcommunicationstechnologynotjusttoimproveaccesstoeducationbuttogreatlyenhancethequalityoeducationorchildreneverywhere.Becausehowyoubeginotenaectswhereyouendupgoing. 26dierentlengthshandswithwebbedngersandnothumbssixtoesoneachfootandthelackofaweight-bearingshinboneineachcalf.Fast-forwardsevenyearsMasterndsherselfadoptedbyanunmarriedcollegeprofessorfromBualoNewYorkwhotakesherinandmakessuretheyounggirlstartstoreceivethelevelofmedicalattentionandexpertisehervariousconditionshadbeendemandingforyears.ThatattentionincludesthelastfewofsevendierentoperationsshehadearlyinlifeandultimatelytheremovalofbothlegsaboveOksanasknees.Thatlastpartisthebadnews.ThegoodnewsisthatforthersttimeinherlifeMastersnallyhastwofunctioninghandslegsthatnolongercauseherconstantpainandabodythatisatlonglastdiseasefreeandworkingwithhernotagainsther.Sheisnallyayoungladywhoisphysicallyreadytotackleallthatlifehastooerthosewithtalentandambitioninheradoptedcountry.Mastershadbegunrowingevenbeforeherrightlegwasamputatedandsoonbegandoingsocompetitively.By2010shehadgottensogoodthatshehadestablishedaworldrecordinthesport.ThatsameyearshenotonlymadehistoryastherstadaptivescullertoraceintheIndianapolisRowingClubregattasheactuallywonthewomensopendivisioneasilyoutpacingaeldofable-bodiedcompetitors.Itwasclearthatthesportofrowinghadanemergingsuperstaronitshandsable-bodiedorotherwise.Roughlyayearlaterseeingherobviousgiftforthesportandrealizingshehadtotrainatthenextlevelhercoachrecom-mendedthatMasterscouldactuallybegoodenoughtomaketheU.S.ParalympicsquadandthatherbestbetwouldbetoteamwithaninjuredwarveteranheknewaformerMarinewhohadParalympicbronzemedalistOksanaMastersisshootingforanothermedalthistimeinasportshetookuplessthansixmonthsago.SomethirtyyearsagoSyracuseUniversitybasketballcoachJimBoeheimwascontemplatingwhowouldplaycenterforhimintheupcomingseasonwhenintohisocewalkedakidfromLeba-nonwithhandsthesizeofpizzasandaskedhimafavor.Thekidwantedtoknowifthelegendarycoachwouldmindgivinghimatryout.TwoyearslaterhisSyracuseOrangemenfoundthem-selvesinthenalgameoftheNCAAFinalFourledbytheirAllAmericancenterakidnamedRonySeikaly.Nowthenalchapterhasyettobewrittenbutthatkindofout-of-the-bluerequestfromadierence-makerofanathleteisnotunlikewhathappenedthisspringtotheNordicocialsoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamwhenoneoftherisingstarsinallofParalympicsportsawomanwholikesomesupernovahadseeminglymadehermarkovernightinacompletelydierentdisciplinewalkeduptothemonedayandsaidshedliketotryoutfortheirteamthismindyoudespitethefactshehadonlybeenoncross-countryskisafewtimesinherlifeandhadneveronceeventhoughtofcompetingonthem.MeetOksanaMastersUkrainianimmigrantadopteedoubleamputeeParalympicbronzemedalistinmixed-teamrowingandNordicwannabe.TheearlylifeofOksanaMasterswasstraightoutofDickens.BornintheUkraineandleftbyherbirthparentsatanorphan-ageshegrewupinthatsameorphanagewhereperhapsduetoherbirthmothersexposuretotheradiationemanatingfromanearbynucleardumpingsiteshehadbeenbornwithanumberoflife-challengingphysicaldefectsincludinglegsoftwoextremelyNEWHORIZONS AndImgoingtodomybestIpromiseyouthat.Ilovethesport.lostbothlegsinAfghanistanwhowasmakinganameforhimselfintheWashingtonD.C.area.SoonMasterswastrainingdailywithpartnerRobJonesandafewmonthslatertheduobill-ingthemselvesasTeamBadCompanygotgoodenoughtoactuallywinboththeAdaptiveWorldChampionshipstrialsandtheU.S.Paralympicqualicationnals.BeforetheyevenknewwhathadhitthemtheywereontheirwaytoLondontocompeteintheirrst-everParalympics.OntheThamesbattlingworld-classscullersfromallovertheworldandracingagainstpowerfulteamswithnotonlyafargreaterwealthofexperiencebutmuchmoretimetogetheronthewaterMastersandJonesshockedtherowingestablish-mentbynishingthirdinthetrunk-and-armsmixed-doublescullsandearningwhattomanywasanutterlyunexpectedspotonthepodium.Overthepastyearorsoduenodoubttoherunmistak-ableandevenstrikingcombinationofcharmbeautyandworld-classtalentOksanahasemergedassomethingofacelebrity.ShewasrecentlyfeaturedinSouthwestAirlinesin-ightmagazineSpiritandinthepagesofSportsIllustrated.Priortothe2012SummerParalympicGamesinLondonshewasnamedoneof10U.S.athletestowatchbytheBritishnewspaperTheGuardianandwasnamedoneofthe11hottestParalympicathletesbyMSN.ButallthatpaledwhenshewasapproachedbyESPNtheMagazineandaskedtobeapartofthe2012editionofESPNsannualBodyIssue.Withoutknowinganythingabouttheissueorwhatitentailedsheimmediatelyagreedtobeincludedwithoutrealizingthateveryathletefeaturedwascompletelynaked.Butbythenshehadgivenherwordanddidnotwanttobackout.Theresultsendedupbeingtasteful.ButOksanaMastersnudelayoutwasimportantbecausealltitillationasideithelpedpullbackthecurtainandatleastinsomesmallmeasuredemys-tifywhatitmeanstohaveadisability.AndmorethananythingelsebyposingwithoutclothesandappearingbeforemillionsofeyesinsucharefreshinglyopenandcandidmannerMastersshowedtheworldthataphysicaldisabilitycanbeandoftenisbeautiful.Infactshelatersaidthehardestpartofdoingtheshootwasntsomuchposingnudeitwasgettingpastthefactthattheshootwasnotabouther.Itwasaboutpeopleeverywherewhowereinherwordsinanywayshapeorformphysicallydierentfromthetraditionalconceptofbeauty.ThoughshesaysItwasalittleweirdatrstsittinginaboatnakedtheywereverypro-fessionalandmademefeelverycomfortable.IjustkepttellingmyselfthisisforallthosepeopleouttherewhodonttsocietystraditionalBarbie-dollconceptofwhatrealbeautyis.AsformakingtheteamandcompetinginSochiironicallynotallthatfarfromwhereshespenttherstsevenyearsofherlifeMastersisentirelyrealisticaboutherchancesparticularlyaboutthelatter.ImnotkiddingmyselfshesaidofherexpectationsforSochi.Imnotexpectingtowinamedalorbeanywherenearthepodiumoreveninthetoptenforthatmatter.ShethenaddedImjustgoingtogoovertherehopefullythatisandbeproudtorepresenttheUSA.AndImgoingtodomybestIpromiseyouthat.Ilovethesport.Itsanewanddierentchal-lengeanditsgotmyfullattention.OksanaMastersmaybenewtothiswholeskiingthingandshemaybeafewyearsfromactuallybeingabletodoasaNordicracerwhatshesshownshecandoasasculler.Butbasedonherhistorytrackrecordandwillingnesstodiveinheadrstwhencommittingtosomethingnottomentionofcourseherap-parentimmunitytothefearoffailureitappearsthatonlyafoolwouldbetagainsther. 2013RACESUMMARYYOUTHRACESTotalKids34GIRLSAges7andUnderCambrieMahonchak70.30AveryQuinlan132.00ElleDavis134.00Ages8-11AnnieJohanning31.10GraceJardine32.60AlainaRawlings34.00Ages12andolderKateKirwood24.40SydneyKingston37.50BOYSAges7andUnderBennettJardine34.49LiamRichards40.30CadenMahonchak40.50Ages8-11NickKirwood26.40JonathanRawlings32.50MaxKuybus34.50Ages12andOlderConnorKuybus30.80ChrisWood33.70JackDuy36.40ADULTRACESTotalRacers260TotalTeams52FASTESTFEMALEMarniSesermanCox25.82BrendaKirwoodHBO27.08JenniferZancaDisneyESPNMediaNetworks27.30FASTESTMALEBenThrombCox24.08ClayKirwoodHBO24.18JeKirwoodHBO24.59SNOWBOARDJohnMcComuskieSeaChange30.86RossGilsonTechnicolor35.32JePrattAMDOCS39.87MASTERSMENANDWOMANCrawfordHamiltonIONMedia30.67BESTDRESSEDCASGroupZootSuitsFlapperBESTCRASHDerekThibodeauguestofVubiquityMOSTTIMESPENTONCOURSEHuaweiortheHighway413.40 TEAMSPORTDIVISIONDeluxeDigital203.53ChrisRittlerCraigHeitingJeChenWendyChenAllisonJonesCisco3203.81JohnValiquetteJeannieValiquetteLaurieColburnKevinJonesTylerWalkerTechnicolor2210.06RossGilsonZJimMedicaDeanOsbourneMeghanEricksonTEAMCOMPETITIVEDIVISIONHBO133.32PeterBanBrendaKirwoodJeKirwoodClayKirwoodLaurieStephensCox145.72MarniSesermanMickObeleskiKateKirwoodNickKirwoodRalphGreenDisneyESPNNetworks152.92SteveRaymondJenniferZancaBenThrombJasonJohanningLindsayBallDianeBarrasguide 0ASPECIALTHANKSTheMODSquadElizabethBrannenAllisonLaylandJulieLuplowKatieMooreDedeMorelandJamiePriceLynnPriceRaceCommitteeKathleenBerryJillLovettMiguelPriestBillWoodKierstenWoodSilentAuctionSethAdlerDaveFoxCraigKioskiCodyMaxwellStephanieThibodeauNoExcusesUnlimitedBoardofDirectorsChrisWaddellChairmanRickSimmsTreasurerSusanBurgstinerDirectorKelleyFoxDirectorWillyStewartDirectorChuckEllisAdvisorTrygveMyhrenAdvisorU.S.OlympicCommitteeCharlieHuebnerParalympicChiefMarketingDesignandCopySDMarketingAdvertisingKathleenBerryEllenBrussMichelleCassoDenisFrolovLisaHerbelBruceHolmesAnneMarieHukriedeJillLovettMadisonStrouse2013MagazineSDMarketingAdvertisingConceptandDesignM.C.AntilWriterandEditorPhotographyTrekkerPhotographyDanDavisSeanBoggsMiguelPriestPhotographyAdaptiveSpiritWebsiteServicesSDMarketingAdvertisingGameSnake.comAdaptiveSpiritEmailCommunicationServicesKnoticeVailAssociatesInc.AnneReddenBryanRooneyOn-siteVolunteersAdaptiveSpiritBoardofDirectorsSteveRaymondChairpersonAmosSmithTreasurerDeborahFlippoSecretaryJayRollsDirectorJoeRooneyDirectorRonPitcockDirectorNomiBergmanDirectorMikeHayashiDirectorKenTolleLegalLiaisonPLATINUMAmdocsCiscoCoxCommunicationsDisneyESPNMediaNetworksEricssonHBOHuaweiTechnologiesUSANBCUniversalGOLDBrightHouseNetworksDeluxeDigitalDistributionNetCrackerTechnologySamsungSDMarketingAdvertisingSILVERAlcatel-LucentARRISContecCSGInternationalDRAFTFCBFujitsuGameSnake.comHorowitzAssociatesMarketMulticulturalResearchHumaxUSAInc.IONMediaNetworksMotorolaSeaChangeInternationalStarzEntertainmentTechnicolorBRONZEAccentureADBCableInc.AlticastBBCAmericaBBCWorldNewsCASGroupCharterCommunicationsCienaCognizantConvergysDBFirstsourceSolutionsFoxNetworksFoxNewsChannelFoxBusinessNetworkGMCAspireiNDEMANDKnoticeMediaVestMRVOpticalCommunicationsSystemsMyhrenMediaNetScoutSystemsNeustarNewEnglandSportsNetworkNESNNFLNetworkOutdoorChannelPeriscopeSandCherryAssociatesScrippsNetworksInteractiveThinkAnalyticsTurnerBroadcastingSystemUnivisionVisibleWorldVubiquitySPONSORS U.S.NATIONALPARALYMPICSKITEAM2013StaffBradAlireAlpineCoachEileenCareyNordicStaBethAnnChamberlainNordicCoachJohnFarraNordicHigh-PerformanceDirectorKevinJardineAlpineHigh-PerformanceDirectorAlpineTeamLindsayBallDianeBarrasGuideJasminBamburMarkBathumSlaterStoreyGuideHeathCalhounChrisDevlin-YoungMeghanEricksonRalphGreenGeraldHaydenSarahHolmStephanieJallenAllisonJonesAndrewKurkaStephenLawlerJonathanLujanStaciMannellaKimSeeversGuideScottMeyerAlanaNicholsPatrickParnellGregPeckMelanieSchwartzJamesStantonLaurieStephensJoeTompkinsDanelleUmsteadRobUmsteadGuideStephaniVictorTylerWalkerNordicTeamDanCnossenErikFrazierSeanHalstedAugustoPerezAndySouleKristyVaughnJeremyWagnerMarkKellyAlpineTechnicianDaveMarkNordicTechnicianJonathanMikaAlpineCoachKevinPillifantAlpineTherapistSeanRamsdenAlpineCoachGregRawlingsNordicStaTimRodmakerAlpineTrainerRobRosserNordicCoachShawnSchollNordicStaJessicaSmithParalympicSkiTeamManagerJamesUphamNordicHeadCoachRayWatkinsAlpineCoachMiahWheelerSnowboardTeamCoordinator MakeitPossibleProudSponsorofAdaptiveSpiritsSkiTAMwww.huawei.comus NBCUniversalisproudtobeaPlatinumSponsorofSkiTAM2013andasponsorofathletesSeanHalstedandStephaniVictor.SeanHalstedStephaniVictor YOURPROVENPARTNERIntodaysrapidlychangingreal-timeworldcableoperatorsneedaprovenpartnerthatcanoptimizetheirenterprisebyofferingcomprehensiveend-to-endsolutionsanddeliverycapabilities.Withitsglobalreachleading-edgetechnologyandunbrokentrackrecordofsuccessfuldeliveriesNetCrackerTechnologyisTHEProvenPartnerforCSPswhowanttoEliminateoperationalandbusinesssilosDeliverareal-timeexperienceinanon-demandworldVirtualizetheirnetworkwithSDN-readycapabilitiesEnhanceoperationalagilityusingmanagedservicesWWW.NETCRACKER.COM 2013CiscoSystemsInc.AllRightsReserved.Forover25yearswevehelpedmillionsofpeoplearoundtheworldgetconnected.cisco.comSomeofourmostrewardingconnectionshavecomethroughoursponsorshipoftheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeamandthefriendshipswehaveenjoyedwithteammembersandAdaptiveSpiritsupporters.CongratulationstoeveryoneontheU.S.ParalympicSkiTeam.Yourskillontheslopesisonlyexceededbythespirityouexhibiteverytimewearefortunateenoughtobearoundyou.