MANSFIELD — Samuel Johnson has spent more than three decades in a wheelchair.
Johnson, a Cleveland resident, served in the United States Army as a combat medic for five years. He sustained his injuries from an automobile accident involving alcohol, which caused Johnson to hit a tree at 110 miles per hour.
Following the accident, Johnson spent two months in a coma and two more on life support.
“One day, I just happened to wake up,” the veteran said Friday. “The nurse that was taking care of me happened to be the guardian angel that was in one of my nightmares.”
Johnson has been competing since 2016 in adaptive athletics. He was introduced to recreational therapy in Cleveland when attending an annual physical.
From that day forward, he’s been “locked in.”
“I do everything from weight lifting and obstacle courses to basketball, football, softball, bocce and bowling,” said Johnson, who in January scored his first points as a Cleveland Wheelchair Cavalier.
On Friday, Johnson, who has developed the nickname “Wheelz,” joined a large group of veterans from the Cleveland area for a skiing event at Mansfield’s Snow Trails resort.
Adaptive Sports Connection hosted its 26th annual Boundless Hope on the Slopes Veterans Ski Weekend — welcoming veterans from Cleveland on Friday and those residing in the Columbus area Saturday.
Reclaiming independence. Building community.
Adaptive Sports Connection serves more than 44 counties throughout Ohio. Its mission is to bring the joy of outdoor recreational and therapeutic sports to veterans, children and adults living with a disability.
The goal of the signature skiing and snowboarding event is to help the nation’s military heroes recover from their physical and emotional injuries.
“Boundless Hope on the Slopes is pure magic, seeing these veterans enjoy a sense of freedom and regain their power when they are up on the hill,” said Sharon Bucey, ASC president and CEO.
“With all that our veterans have sacrificed for our country, ASC is honored to help them reclaim their independence,” she said.
These guys (veterans) are my heartbeat.
Samuel “Wheelz” Johnson
Attendees participated in adaptive ski lessons, including tailored equipment fittings, and had the opportunity to connect with peers in the community.
Johnson described the event as one big “family reunion” of hundreds of “relatives.”
“We all look forward to getting together,” he said. “Like my basketball team, it is totally a family atmosphere. We’ll go out of our way to help and do whatever we need to do for one of our brothers or sisters.”
Whether competing in adaptive athletics or simply gathering with fellow veterans at different outings, Johnson said it’s a reminder that he exists.
“Just because we’re in a chair doesn’t mean our lives have ended,” he said. “People see us and don’t see us, and that’s sad.
“You can be a veteran and they don’t see you. But these guys here, we see each other. We know what each other’s struggle is and we’re here for each other. That’s what I love about these outings.”
(Below are photos from Adaptive Sports Connection’s Boundless Hope on the Slopes Veterans Ski Weekend at Snow Trails.)
Adapt and overcome
Through ASC’s partnership with the Cleveland and Columbus Veterans Affairs health network, recreational therapists were on site throughout the event.
Benefits of physical activity for veterans
According to Adaptive Sports Connection, studies show that physical exertion and movement:
- Reduces symptoms of PTSD
- Increases determination and inner strength
- Helps with identity and self-concept
- Provides a sense of accomplishment
- Contributes to social well-being
- Enhances motivation for living
The team was available to provide expert care to veterans dealing with numerous physical and psychological injuries, including PTSD, suicidal thoughts and chronic pain.
Physical activity, such as skiing and snowboarding, is proven to enhance the overall well-being of veterans.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose also attended the event to speak and ski with veterans. LaRose served in the U.S. Army as part of the Special Forces Green Beret and currently serves as an Army Reservist.
“Adapting and overcoming is what we do and some of you have had challenges thrown your way that I could never imagine,” LaRose told veterans Friday. “But what you’re doing out here today is saying that’s not going to slow me down.
“I’m just so inspired that you all are here to do that and prove that skiing is for anybody that wants to do it.”
(Below are more photos from Adaptive Sports Connection’s Boundless Hope on the Slopes Veterans Ski Weekend at Snow Trails and a video from last year’s event.)
