More than ever, spending time outdoors is helping people of all ages manage stress, connect with their communities, and rediscover joy. A new partnership between GRIT and a national adaptive sports organization is helping more individuals with physical disabilities experience that freedom—especially kids. 

Together, they’ve provided more than 80 individuals with all-terrain GRIT Freedom Chairs, including the first 20 GRIT Junior models—the only off-road wheelchairs on the market built specifically for young riders. These rugged chairs are designed to give kids with physical disabilities the ability to move independently on dirt, grass, gravel, snow, and trails. With this kind of mobility, outdoor activities like hiking, exploring nature, or even playing at recess become accessible again. 

Jennifer Skeesick, a physical therapist and regional program director, emphasized the importance of this type of innovation. “We’re really trying to push the envelope so that kids with disabilities can enjoy outdoor activities with their families and peers,” she said. “This partnership allowed us to help design what our youth athletes truly need.” 

A Chair Designed for Adventure 

In 2020, the adaptive sports team approached GRIT with the idea to build a chair for younger athletes who wanted to hike with their families. That idea turned into the GRIT Junior, a lightweight, lever-powered, all-terrain wheelchair designed by MIT engineers. It was developed with the input of hundreds of wheelchair riders, seating specialists, therapists, and outdoor adventurers. 

“We’ve been able to change the landscape of outdoor accessibility,” said Tish Scolnik, GRIT co-founder and CEO. “The GRIT Junior gives kids the ability to explore independently and play alongside their peers.” 

The first GRIT Junior was gifted to three-year-old Teddy Wallace, who was born with arthrogryposis, a condition affecting his joints and muscles. Since receiving the chair, Teddy and his family have explored snowy paths, grassy hills, and hiking trails in Idaho. 

GRIT Athlete Spotlights 

Dianne Vitkus | Charlestown, MA 

Sport: Hiking
Challenge: Quadriplegia 

In 2020, Dianne Vitkus fell from a rooftop ladder and sustained a spinal cord injury, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. She had always been outdoorsy — a former Division I lacrosse player, marathon runner, and hiker — and feared that would change. But during rehab, she tried a GRIT Chair and an adaptive road bike. Now, she’s back on the trail with new ways to explore the world she once knew so well. 

Kevin Holtry | Boise, ID 

Sports: Hiking, Hockey
Challenge: Paraplegia, Above-Knee Amputation 

Kevin Holtry, a retired Boise Police Corporal, was paralyzed and lost a leg during a 2016 shooting while on duty. Since then, he’s become a dedicated adaptive athlete — participating in triathlons, Nordic skiing, biathlon, and sledge hockey. Through CAF Idaho, Kevin received a GRIT Chair and has found new independence and healing in Idaho’s outdoors. 

Daniel Lockwood, 10 | Coarsegold, CA 

Sport: Running
Challenge: Cerebral Palsy 

Daniel was adopted from China at age 3 and lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Despite physical challenges, he’s part of his school’s cross-country team and loves outdoor adventures. His family dreams of hiking every U.S. National Park — and even hiking into the Grand Canyon. With his new GRIT Junior, those goals are in reach. 

Jacen Mancil, 6 | Belleview, FL 

Sport: Trail Riding / Hiking
Challenge: Spinal Cord Injury 

After being hit by a car in his stroller as a toddler, Jacen was left with a spinal cord injury and TBI. Now a kindergartner, he enjoys horseback riding and swimming — but nothing beats being outside. His GRIT Junior gives him the ability to explore trails, play in his backyard, and even join recess with his classmates. 

Help More Kids Find Freedom Outdoors 

Every child deserves the chance to explore, play, and adventure on their own terms. Through GRIT and the support of our community, kids with physical challenges are gaining access to the outdoors like never before. 

Want to be part of that change?
Learn how you can support this program, apply for a GRIT Junior, or help more kids experience the freedom to move.