Support Blake Eaton's Paralympic Ski Dream

"He has the desire, drive, commitment, and skills critical to succeed at the elite level, and he works hard to reach his goals. He can push himself faster and harder than any other athlete of his age, and remains focused on building the skills necessary for success." - Sergeant Josh Elliot retired Marine Corp. Combat Engineer and former Paralympic and US National Team member

Words of encouragement like those above from coaches, teammates, and other Paralympians is why I am asking for your help to train and achieve my dream.

Hi, my name is Blake Eaton. I was born with spina bifida and grew up in Duluth, MN. This happened in my lower back and has left me paralyzed from the waist down. I have used a manual wheelchair my whole life. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the fact that I was no different than any other person. I found by working hard I could do anything, including outdoor activities and sports.

I first started skiing at the age of 4, and I loved the speed from the start. I learned about ski racing and instantly wanted to explore this world. Ever since, I have been trying to improve my skills and have gotten a bit better each year. To my surprise I was invited to participate in national adaptive skiing events in Colorado and Vermont for several years. At these events I have met, skied, and been taught by many adaptive coaches and Paralympians.

There aren't many chances to work with other adaptive skiers and coaches in Duluth. Still I have worked on improving by joining local able bodied ski teams where I was the only adaptive skier. One was Team Duluth and the other was the UMD college race team. After just two race seasons, some of my fellow teammates and coaches saw some improvement. The ski coach I have known the most recently said; "Now is the time for Blake to push forward yet again in order to continue the momentum in his development. He needs to move to the mountains to train and race with full time Adaptive Alpine Race Program"

Last winter, I took a big step in my development by moving to Utah and started ski racing full-time nationally for the first time. While training, I was able to make huge improvements in my skills. In one of my very first races of the season, I finished 3rd in the downhill event, and it was my very first time racing downhill. By the end of my season, I finished top 5 in the country and top 20 in the world in ski racing.

This upcoming season, I hope to keep my momentum going. My goal is to improve my skills and my position in the rankings of the country and the world. To do so, I’m hoping to go back to Utah to live, train, and race for the season. While in Utah, I’m planning to join an adaptive ski race program called the National Ability Center or NAC (one of two adaptive programs in the country). I would train with their athletes, including some Paralympians, and race with them. By doing this, I can continue my rise in the rankings and hopefully be well on my way to being on the US Ski Team and compete in the Paralympics.

The biggest obstacle to completing my dream is finances. To be on the team and the NAC program, it will cost me around $5,000. I will also have to live in Utah, paying rent, and other expenses while I train. These include travel and ski tuning equipment. With everything that I will have to pay for during the ski season, I’m estimating the total expenses to be around $25,000 - $30,000. However, any contributions that are available will be greatly appreciated and cherished.

I appreciate your time and consideration in this matter and listening to me and my story on where I want to go in the future.