Leaps of Faith Ski Club Washes Away Disability

By Kendra Bobowick

Joe Slaski grimaced. A spray of lake water drenched his face as he crouched behind a speedboat in a sit-ski on Saturday, July 25, but he soon let go of his tow rope near the dock.

On either side of him were members of Newtown-based Leaps of Faith Disabled Waterskiers Club (LOF) volunteers Cindy Palkimas and Andrew Lerman, both holding their tow lines in one hand, ready to reach for Mr Slaski with the other. Hearing the cheers and excitement from friends onshore at club president Joel Zeisler’s lakeside Housatonic Drive residence, he soon pulled himself from Lake Zoar and settled again into his wheelchair.

Minutes later as his hair dried and sun warmed his shoulders, Mr Slaski glanced away from his conversation to watch as others with disabilities momentarily escaped their limitations to ski.

Originally from Syracuse, N.Y., Mr Slaski now lives in Philadelphia, and traveled Saturday to join local residents, as well as many people from out-of-town and several from out-of-state, to rush across the water, uninhibited.

Watching from the dock, Mr Zeisler also stepped into water skis and donned a life vest. Minutes later he was skiing alongside Torrington resident Jennifer Kane, who had a strong hold on her ski rope with her right hand. With Mark Soracin’s assistance, Mr Zeisler guided Jennifer through the water. Back on shore, she was eager for another turn.

Earlier, cutting another path between the widening ripples of the boat’s wake were Bill and Mark Soracin with skier Jim Falls, who also had a successful run Saturday morning.

Saturday’s clinic was one of the largest with a mix of disabilities and ages ranging from 7 to 60 years old. The nonprofit water ski club’s website (LeapsOfFaithWaterSkiers.com) explains its goal: “To build lasting confidence and fulfillment through … water skiing to both disabled children and adults.”

The club is currently preparing for its first Wounded Warrior Project this year, taking place August 13–16 in Farmington, at Batterson Pond. Aside from the skiing, the days will include fishing, hand cycling, and kayaking.

The LOF Club is expecting as many as 25 soldiers and family members and will hold a banquet for the participants, Mr Zeisler explained via email. Ultimately, the LOF members are proud to have the best volunteers, “giving us the confidence to take on the responsibility of Wounded Warrior,” he added.

Made possible by Gaylord Hospital, the hospital’s sports association, and Leaps of Faith Disabled Waterskiers, sponsors have invited service members who have experienced a permanent disability while serving in the military to participate in the August event.

For registration information contact Kyleen Davis at 301-217-9838, Todd Munn at TMunn@Gaylord.org, Joel Zeisler at JZH20SKI@sbcglobal.net, or the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project at 203-284-2772.