In the winter of 2020, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) launched the Para Nordic Ski Initiative to expand access to skiing for athletes with physical disabilities. The goal was simple: introduce the sport to new athletes while also supporting the development of elite Paralympic contenders. Just two years later, the program has already produced remarkable results, with several participants making their Paralympic debuts at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. 

The initiative has hosted camps and clinics across the U.S., including locations like Sun Valley and Boise, Idaho. Through these hands-on experiences, athletes—some brand new to winter sports—have discovered a passion for Para Nordic skiing, often for the first time. 

Paralympic Impact Beyond Expectations 

CAF’s Associate Programs Manager, Wilson Dippo, never expected such rapid results. 

“We thought it would take a few more years to see this kind of success. But these athletes are proving what’s possible—much sooner than we imagined.” 

Indeed, several athletes who were first introduced to Para Nordic skiing through CAF-sponsored events not only qualified for the Beijing Winter Paralympics, but performed at the highest levels of the sport. 

Josh Sweeney: From Ice to Snow 

Former U.S. Sled Hockey Team Captain Josh Sweeney made a bold move: transitioning from sled hockey—where he had already built an impressive Paralympic career—to the new challenge of Para Nordic skiing. 

While the sports share upper-body strength and balance as critical skills, skiing presented a steep learning curve. Determined to master it, Sweeney attended multiple CAF Para Nordic camps and clinics in Idaho. 

Though he didn’t medal in Beijing, qualifying alone was a major accomplishment. His quick progression in such a demanding sport speaks to the strength of the initiative and the adaptability of elite athletes. 

Dani Aravich: Two Seasons, One Dream 

Dani Aravich is another inspiring example of CAF’s impact. Her Paralympic debut came at the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, where she competed in track and field. Less than a year later, she was on the snow in Beijing, racing in the Biathlon. 

“The sky is the limit for Dani,” said Dippo. “She’s just a few years into the sport and already commands respect.” 

Aravich honed her skills at CAF clinics, quickly making a name for herself thanks to her competitive drive and dedication to training. Her story proves that with the right support and opportunities, athletes can cross disciplines and thrive. 

Jake Adicoff: A Comeback Story 

While some athletes were learning Para Nordic skiing for the first time, Jake Adicoff returned to a sport he knew well. A seasoned skier with previous Paralympic experience, Jake had actually retired from competition. But the community and momentum of the CAF initiative pulled him back in. 

At the Beijing Paralympics, Jake claimed one gold and two silver medals, proving that passion and preparation never fade. His relationship with CAF extended beyond competing—he also served as a coach at a CAF camp in Sun Valley, helping to train the next generation. 

A Pipeline for the Next Generation 

In 2025 alone, over 40 new athletes joined the Para Nordic Ski Initiative through CAF clinics and camps. Many were fitted with equipment for the first time, learned new techniques, and built relationships that will carry them into future competition. 

“Many of the athletes who had their first experience at a CAF clinic or got their first gear from us are the future of Para Nordic skiing,” said Dippo. “The current success is just a bonus.” 

With momentum building and more athletes entering the sport each year, CAF is becoming a key driver of Team USA’s future Paralympic success in winter sports. 

Looking Ahead: A Movement on the Rise 

The CAF Para Nordic Ski Initiative is far more than a set of training camps—it’s a growing movement that is opening doors, building confidence, and reshaping the U.S. presence in winter Para sports. 

Whether it’s a new athlete attending their first clinic or a veteran like Jake Adicoff returning to the snow, every story is part of a larger mission: to ensure that athletes with physical disabilities have the opportunity to discover their potential and chase Paralympic dreams.