Courage Kenny Debuts West Metro Adaptive Water Skiing Program

The Land of 10,000 lakes offers plenty of opportunities for recreation, but sometimes, getting out on the water requires a helping hand.

“We’ve rallied everybody in this community around to get everybody out playing on the water,” said Tara Gorman, a staff member from Courage Kenny’s sports and recreation department.

This summer, the group from Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center has organized an adaptive water skiing program. The program gives patients a chance to experience Medicine Lake in Plymouth in a way many never have.

“They’re learning that they can overcome obstacles that may come up in life, and to take a deep breath and smile and move on,” Gorman said. “Most of the time it works out. Some of the time out there, you wipe out.”

One of the first-time participants was Alan Sakry, who was straight to the point when asked why he signed up.

“Interesting people and experience,” Sakry said.

Sakry was one of eight people who got out on the water Monday night. Courage Kenny designed the program to help adaptive skiers learn the basics and try out new equipment.

Benefits of adaptive water-skiing

While there are important life lessons the skiers can gain from this activity, the main benefit is obvious.

“Fun,” Sakry said with a laugh.

The volunteers make sure that happens. They want to make sure the skiers have a good time.

“You’ve got people there that help you and pick you up, so I think it’s a great lesson all around,” Gorman said.

Courage Kenny’s adaptive water skiing program began more than two decades ago on Lake Owasso in Ramsey County, but this is the first year the program has expanded into the West Metro.