Team Paradox
Jeff Lowe / Athlete, Volunteer
Jeff is one of the most influential climbers ever. He has received the highest awards both nationally and internationally for his contributions to climbing. His award-winning books, films and equipment designs have motivated and enabled several generations of alpinists to “do more with less”, which is one of the cornerstones of the Adaptable Man philosophy toward climbing and life. Throughout his life, Jeff has endeavored to become a “perfectly adaptable human”, extracting meaning and sustenance for the heart and soul from lifes’ experiences – both good and bad, easy or challenging. Jeff has been dealing with the devasting effects of an unkown neuro-degenerative disease for the last decade in a way that makes it apparent to everyone who knows or meets him, that Jeff Lowe has come close to achieving his goal.
Pete Davis / Athlete, Volunteer – I was born in 1979 without my right arm a few inches below the elbow. Despite this I have always led a very active life especially once I discovered climbing and other human powered outdoor sports at the age of 12. Due to the profound positive effect that the outdoor adventure world has had on my life I have been on a mission to inspire, empower and educate other disabled people to see their potential in life through these sports. I hooked up with DJ, Malcolm and the rest of the Paradox crew in early 2007 just when the organization was coming together. I knew immediately that this organization, more so than any other, defined the high level of performance and intensity that is required for disabled people to excel in human powered outdoor sports. Paradox Sports has been the perfect organization to make my life mission a reality. I competed in the first ever Extremity Games in 2006 and represented Paradox Sports at the games in 2007 with a 2nd place win in the advanced rock climbing competition. I have regularly traveled from my home in Boulder, Colorado across the country with the rest of the staff and crew helping to fulfill the mission of Paradox Sports. When I’m not working at Neptune Mountaineering or helping with Paradox Sports, I usually can be found outside rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing, biking, running, and generally living the good life.
Oscar Bishop / Athlete, Volunteer- I have always thought I am different because of being born without my left hand. I also thought I could never do the things “normal” people can do like ride a mountain bike, play baseball, and hell even tie my shoes. I thought these things probably because some people have always been apprehensive about my abilities, and for a while I was too. I think the reason I persevered was because of the support I had from family and friends, as well as possessing the will to dream. I am 23 years old now and I know I can achieve my dreams. I am now on my way to earning a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation at Middle Tennessee State University and will be starting my first job in the summer of 2009 as an outdoor trip leader in Wyoming for kids ages 12-18 with learning disabilities. I feel it’s my obligation to share the power of the outdoors with kids with disabilities; to show them that anything is possible.
Ronnie Dickson / Athlete, Volunteer – Losing a leg has been an interesting experience to say the least. Some people might view it as a loss. I like to think of it as an opportunity. An opportunity to change my life for the better. When I lost my leg I felt like I was starting from scratch, everything I had done in the past was in the past and I was starting over new. It gave me a chance to redefine all my limits. I took a great life and made it an extraordinary one. Challenges present themselves in many different ways, and I just like to think that my challenges are similar to everyone else’s but just unique in their own way. People ask me if I would take a normal leg if I could, and I’ve come to the realization that I wouldn’t change anything. I would have missed out on meeting great people and encountering amazing stories. Life is what you make of it and being an amputee has made me a stronger person than I could have ever imagined. Paradox Sports presents the opportunity to help me continue to break barriers and help others reach their goals and enjoy life the way it was meant to be.
Craig DeMartino / Athlete, Volunteer – My interaction with Paradox Sports and its staff of volunteers has been extremely fulfilling. Not just for the athletes, whom they are helping to regain a sense of self, but for me as a person who has gone through heavy trauma and the recovery process. It is priceless to witness these people grow in their faith in themselves, and also to begin the long journey back to a regular life. We need people like Paradox out there to show us we can all achieve our dreams, no matter what they may be.
Reid Olmstead - Reid joined Paradox Sports in February 2007 when DJ Skelton asked him to help out with the first Paradox event – taking a bunch of wounded vets from Walter Reed Army Medical Center climbing. He graduated from LeMoyne College with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy and then attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA. where he earned an M.S. in Applied Educational Psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology. Reid currently works as a school psychologist for the San Diego City Schools. Reid’s life experiences have provided him the opportunity to practice school psychology and volunteer his ideas, energy, and passion to Paradox Sports, inspiring him to develop and expand its mission. Reid is an avid surfer and climber.
Callie Rennison, PhD. / Athlete, Volunteer – Though Paradox Sports is about offering “inspiration, education, acquisition and motivation” to disabled athletes, the truth is that they offer exactly the same and more to *everyone* who participates. I came away from my first Paradox event a changed person. I was inspired, I laughed non-stop and I learned more than I could have anticipated. I eagerly look forward to getting out with everyone again.
Vijay Viswanathan / Athlete, Volunteer – I prefer to be outside. Whitewater kayaking, tracking, surfing, rock climbing, skiing, fly fishing and hunting have always been focal points in my life, and I cherish the rewards that come with taking on these endeavors in variable conditions. I also love the unconventional community these ventures attract; the “tribe” as my friends like to say.
In 2003 I became completely paralyzed from the chest-down after a failed rappel, and the resulting 80 foot fall that transected my spine at the fifth thoracic vertebrae. Seemingly confined to a wheelchair, I thought my life was over and became dangerously depressed the year following my accident. Learning how to use a monoski (sit-ski) the next winter at the BOEC in Breckenridge pulled me out of that depression in a mere couple of weeks, and convinced me that anything is possible with the proper support and equipment. Since then, I’ve adopted a myriad of different adaptive sports, and constantly seek out the people who can help me continue to pursue my passions. Paradox volunteers possess a unique and seemingly limitless drive, an unwavering dedication to living in the moment and not looking back. This dedication and level of professionalism is what sets Paradox volunteers above the rest.
This past year, Paradox volunteers helped me customize a rope-ascension system that I (a T-5 paraplegic) would feel comfortable climbing a big wall with! I hope to further develop these techniques not only for myself, but so that I can introduce them to other disabled athletes who otherwise would not have the tools and resources to get it done… “Rock on Paradox!”
Warren Macdonald / Athlete – Tell me; when was the last time you felt fully connected to this planet? Did it come with fear, as you hurried towards shelter, in a race with the storm eager to beat you there? Did it come with a sense of belonging, watching the sun set over an endless mountain range? Whatever the emotion, it’s the feeling of connection we remember, and for me, it’s the feeling of connection I’ve spent my life chasing. Those of us who life has “challenged”, who have lost something of our ability, are in a unique position. By rising above our circumstances, by continuing to seek out that connection, we fulfil not only ourselves but raise the question for others: Am I connected; am I living as fully as I can be? Everyone’s a winner. Inspired by the loser. Now there’s a paradox…
Chad Jukes / Army Staff Sergeant (Ret), Athlete, Volunteer – When I was going through the initial process of my amputation, some of the Paradox crew gave me some great advice and support. As soon as I was up on 2 feet, I was invited out to the HERA Climb for Life event in Boulder, CO. Paradox helped me learn what I needed to do to keep on climbing, and helped me out designing my own adaptive climbing foot. It’s a great group, and I’m looking forward to continued involvement with Paradox Sports so I can help other people with disabilities experience the same thing.
Getting into the outdoors is a great confidence builder for anyone with a disability. It helps to restore self confidence, pride, and independence. The goal of Paradox is to introduce people to these outdoor sports, as well as supporting them with equipment. I’m excited to be involved.
Phil Bridgers / Athlete, Volunteer – It’s really hard to put Paradox and the experience of being around the guys into words; in the time I’ve spent with them I’ve become very aware of how I relate to those who have a physical challenge: ‘they’re just one of the guys’ and should be treated that way. I also am amazed by the strength and ‘courage’ they have. Paradox to me is a feeling from within, one of pride and provides a self-affirming, ‘I’m proud to be their friend’.
Events Coordinator – Mountain Gear
