The Sandy Hook-based Leaps of Faith (LOF) Adaptive Skiers hosted “Tournament of Champions,” a first of its kind grassroots water ski tournament for individuals with spinal cord injuries, on August 23 on Lake Lillinonah in Southbury.

With 16 skiers from all across the Northeast participating, the tournament was a great success, according to a recent release.

“We were very inspired by this amazing group of skiers,” said LOF Executive Director Joel Zeisler. “Almost all of the skiers were wheelchair bound, yet to see them ski on the water you would never know you were watching someone with a spinal cord injury or who is quadriplegic or paraplegic.

“These skiers tested their limits and it was very motivating and unforgettable to see them compete,” he said.

The tournament competition gauged each skier’s time and navigation through an official slalom course. Skiers participated in three divisions based on abilities, and the top three finishers in each division received awards.

Skier Kenneth Ryno, who came from New Jersey to compete, said, “This tournament was excellent. LOF Adaptive Skiers changes many lives with what they do for people who cannot usually do these kinds of things on their own. In the long run, they help people like me realize what they can and do.” He feels the experience can help him “move onto accomplish other things,” rather than focus on what he can’t do. “I will try to do anything I possibly can. This is why I refer to myself as a tri-plegic because I try. I can not say thanks enough for the experience,” Mr Ryno added.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation sponsored the event.

Founded in 1991 and located on Lake Zoar in Sandy Hook, LOF Adaptive Skiers is a place where children, adults, and wounded veterans with disabilities come to meet for life-changing adaptive sports experiences and meaningful connections. Proud to be a leader in adaptive waterskiing, LOF Adaptive Skiers runs one of the largest and safest adaptive water sports programs in the country. In addition to waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and kayaking, LOF Adaptive Skiers offers beginner level snow ski and snowboard instruction during the winter months For more information, 203-426-0666 or LOFAdaptiveSkiers.org