Owen Keiper’s bi-ski

By Amanda Keiper

My son Owen Keiper was born with Periventricular Leukomalacia which causes high muscle tone and spasticity. It is difficult for him to stand, walk, and balance. Even though mobility is a huge challenge for him he is the most athletic kid you will meet! He plays baseball, flag football, swimming, sled hockey, wrestling, archery, and sit skiing.

Skiing has always been a passion for our family. He started sit skiing when he was 3 years old however the ski could only be rented once or twice a season for each kid due to high demand and a limited number of instructors. I took a few lessons to be able to tether the ski myself in hopes of getting a sit ski of our own one day.

When Owen was six years old I was able to buy the sit ski from Enabling Technologies out of Colorado with the help of the GoHawkeye grant! The process was easy and I had his sit ski ready for him Christmas morning. It was the best Christmas gift EVER!!!

Not only is Owen able to ski whenever he wants, he is able to ski with his older brother and sister. We used the ski multiple times last season. Owen was hitting jumps like his teenage siblings, and learning to control his turns himself. It was amazing to hit the slopes with the entire family, stay active, and enjoy life together. We can not wait for the snow to start!