Don’t tell any of these trail blazers they can’t go somewhere. And thanks to the 2019 Wheels Up! accessible travel photo contest from SPORTS ‘N SPOKES Magazine, Cure Medical and Abilities Expo, we all have a front row seat to their adventures.
Of the hundreds of wheelers from around the country who submitted their favorite outdoor, travel or sports photos, the following four truly captured the “Barriers? What barriers?” attitude that this annual contest strives to highlight.
Contest judge Jullienne Dallara summed it up nicely. “It is great to see all the wheelchair users getting out into the world! There were so many great shots, it was truly hard to choose. It speaks to the resiliency of the human spirit as well as the advances that have been made in technology, that there are so many people in places they could only have imagined being before!”
First Place Winner: Richard Corbett
On a trip to the left coast, Richard Corbett captured an awesome shot of himself working the rings at the Original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, California flanked by the vast Pacific Ocean. The founder of the popular Wheels2Walking YouTube channel, Richard’s weekly how-to videos about wheelchair life have helped hundreds of thousands of people cope with their own disability.
Second Place Winner: David Nickelson
After a quick stop to take in the breathtaking vista from the rim of Grand Canyon in Yellowstone National Park, David Nickelson went back to his heart-pumping off-roading excursion. Adaptive sports are a huge part of his life and he works with multiple sports organizations as director of handcycling events.
Third Place Winner: Adrienne Terrell
From the awe-inspiring panoramas in Arizona, this family trip to Mogollon Rim turned into third place for Adrienne Terrell. When she talked about her MS with SPORTS ‘N SPOKES, she said, “This disease has given me much more than it has taken from me. I’ve gained an incredibly fun and supportive community of other people that are also warriors in their own battles.”
Honorable Mention Winner: Austin Martin
Look out for Austin Martin on the slopes of New York’s Holiday Valley this winter season! You’ll know him by his sit-skiing prowess.
To the men and women who will not let their disability stand in the way of living their best lives, cheers! Keep taking pictures of your accomplishments and we look forward to seeing them in next year’s Wheels Up! contest.
