Sandra Whipple, from Provo, participates in Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Tuesday’s day at the lake for those living with a physical disability had all the perfect elements: sun-splashed skies, cool water, friends and family and lots of smiles.
Mountain Land Charities and Neuroworx teamed up for the 15th Mountain Land Adaptive Ski Day, a water skiing day for those suffering from a life-altering injury. The event, one of two this summer, was held at Last Chance Lakes in Tooele County. Even Bear, the Jazz mascot, got wet.
Using adaptive skis that are customizable to fit guests’ individual needs and a support team that consisted of drivers, spotters, swimmers and licensed physical therapists, skiers with varying abilities enjoyed the safest possible experience.
View Comments
Deseret News photojournalist Tess Crowley spent the day capturing the water skiing and the smiles.
Kolette Olsen, executive coordinator at Neuroworx, left, helps Sandra Whipple, from Provo, right, participate in Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Blaine Whipple, from Provo, swims with daughter Adaline Whipple, 6, after his wife Sandra Whipple participated in Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
The Jazz Bear prepares to cheer on water skiers from a boat during Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Bridger Gailey, 14, from Bluffdale, participates in Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Matt Hansen, lead physical therapist at Neuroworx, right, helps Mamie Mann, 16, from South Jordan, sit down to water ski during Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Bridger Gailey, 14, from Bluffdale, participates in Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
The Jazz Bear participates in Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Bridger Gailey, 14, from Bluffdale, participates in Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Blaine Whipple, from Provo, swims with daughter Adaline Whipple, 6, right, after his wife Sandra Whipple participated in Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Kim Peterson, Idaho regional director with Mountain Land Physical Therapy, cheers as participants water ski during Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Sheri Slater, from Vineyard, touches the water as she is being helped into a seat to water ski during Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Sheri Slater, from Vineyard, participates in Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Sandra Whipple, from Provo, sits down after water skiing during Mountain Land Physical Therapy’s Adaptive Ski Day, a day for those suffering from a life-altering injury to participate in water skiing, at Last Chance Lakes in Vernon, Tooele County, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.
