Boise, Idaho | March 20–23, 2025 — The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) brought the spirit of winter sports to life at the largest adaptive multisport event of its kind in the region. The 2025 CAF-Idaho Winter Sports Weekend united 65 adaptive athletes—including 58 from Idaho and 18 from 12 other states—for four days of action-packed activities, expert coaching, and unforgettable moments on the ice and snow.

Hosted across Bogus Basin and Idaho IceWorld, and supported by a dynamic community of 45 volunteers, this inclusive weekend celebrated athletic potential, adaptive sports innovation, and community connection.

From First Tracks to First Goals 

The weekend officially kicked off with a warm welcome dinner, setting the tone for connection and camaraderie. Over the next three days, participants embraced a wide range of winter sports, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, biathlon, sled hockey, and snowboarding. Expert coaches, including Paralympians Josh Sweeney, Kevin McKee, Erin Martin, and Women’s National Sled Hockey Team members Catherine Faherty and Erica McKee, inspired athletes of all levels to push past limits and try something new.

On the Nordic side, USPN Development Coach BethAnn Chamberlain, along with Lettie Stratton, Kevin Hoyt, and Jordan Valentine, helped athletes navigate the trails with skill and confidence. 

Technology Meets Tenacity: Showcasing the TetraSki 

One of the weekend’s standout moments was the demonstration of the TetraSki, a breakthrough technology from the University of Utah’s TRAILS Program. Designed for individuals with complex disabilities, the TetraSki enables independent skiing through joystick and sip-and-puff controls, offering new freedom on the mountain. 

Athlete Highlights: Stories That Moved Us 

From first-time skiers to seasoned competitors, every athlete brought a unique story of courage and determination. A few highlights include: 

• Liam & Easton Stenson (Age 10) – Twin brothers with Muscular Dystrophy, the Stensons brought boundless energy and fearlessness to their first alpine skiing adventure. 

• Diana Witt (Age 58) – A single above-knee amputee from Eagle, ID, Diana faced her fears and tried both downhill skiing and sled hockey, proving it’s never too late to take on something new.

• Adam Pawlowski (Age 38) – A combat veteran with limb difference, scoliosis, and TBI, Adam joined his first CAF-Idaho event and left with new goals, including climbing and skiing Denali. 

Investing in Dreams: Local Grant Recipients 

CAF proudly awarded adaptive sports grants to two inspiring Idaho athletes: 

• Sarah Pederson (Age 59) – A passionate Nordic skier and above-knee amputee, Sarah received a True Bogus season pass and new adaptive equipment to continue pursuing the sport she loves.

• Clementine Newton-Thompson (Age 4) – Clementine, who lives with Transverse Myelitis, received a Kids Dynamique Bi-Ski to help her grow into an active life on the slopes with her family.

The Power of Place: The Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse 

Throughout the weekend, the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse served as a central gathering place and resource hub. Designed to offer year-round training, mentorship, and connection for athletes with physical disabilities, the Fieldhouse is an innovative model for inclusive sport that supports long-term athlete development—before, during, and long after events like this one. 

By the Numbers 

• 65 adaptive athletes 

• 45 volunteers 

• 4 days of events 

• 6 partner organizations 

• Countless moments of joy, progress, and connection 

Voices from the Weekend 

On Instagram, Zeke Clark summed it up:

“FRESH POWDER. GREAT FRIENDS. EPIC TRIP!” 

And from Kai Luan:

“It was incredible to meet so many para athletes and share those experiences together.” 

Read the BSU Public Radio story  | Check out the Idaho News 6 coverage 

Thank You to Our Partners 

This life-changing weekend was made possible by generous support from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation (JKAF) and the efforts of our adaptive sports collaborators: Higher Ground, Boise Adaptive Snowsport Education (BASE), Teton Adaptive, Eagle Mount, Bogus Basin Nordic Team, and Boise Parks and Recreation.