Fun for all: ‘Summer Splash' ensures fun for everyone

July 29, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/Frontiersman

MAT-SU - For most Alaskans, a day on the water is a staple of summertime life in the Last Frontier. But for those with disabilities, water sports aren't always a day at the beach.

Unless that beach happens to be located on Finger Lake near Palmer, where on Saturday nearly 50 physically challenged and developmentally disabled Alaskans splashed and frolicked the day away beneath the late summer sun.

This year marked the fourth in a row that disability recreation group Challenge Alaska has hosted its “Summer Splash” event at the Palmer Elks Lodge, which is located on the lake shore. Challenge Alaska is a nonprofit organization that provides recreational opportunities to Alaskans living with physical and mental challenges.

Challenge Alaska senior therapeutic recreation coordinator Jeff Dick said Saturday that the group's mission is to ensure that no Alaskans go without the chance to get in on a little fun.

“Our goal is to promote individual recreation opportunities to the highest level for each individual,” Dick said.

On Saturday, that mission took the form of a variety of water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, tubing, swimming and water skiing. Participants were able to try out any event they chose, and special accommodations were made for those whose physical challenges would have otherwise made such activities impossible.

Greg Peck of Wasilla used Saturday's event to try water skiing for the first time. Peck, 20, lost the use of his legs in an auto accident two years ago. Since then, the former high school baseball player said he said he's been on a mission to find recreational opportunities that allow him to keep up an active lifestyle.

“Stuff you didn't think would be possible again, you find out it is,” he said.

Peck credited Challenge Alaska with helping him find sports he can do - he also plays hockey and downhill skis - with the help of special equipment.

“Everything is changing more and more each year with the advances in adaptive technology,” he said.

Peck skied aboard a special chair that allowed him to skip across the surface of the water using the support of his powerful upper body. Following a few trips around the lake, Peck said he definitely plans to do more skiing in the future.

“I want to go back out again today,” he said while drying off on the lake shore.

While some participants in the Summer Splash event were more interested in the athletic side of the events offered, others were simply there for the fun. Friends Mary Prevost and Dona Kessler, both of Palmer, both got a chance to satisfy their need for speed aboard the back of a jet ski.

Following their high-speed turns around the lake, both women had not trouble picking out their favorite part of the ride.

“Going fast,” Kessler said.

The wild ride proved to be a bit of a wet one for Prevost, who took a spill into the lake when she and her volunteer driver took the plunge while making a sharp turn.

“We just tipped,” Prevost said, shrugging her shoulders and smiling. “It wasn't that cold.”

The water fun lasted well into the evening as participants clamored for one more ride. Judging by the large numbers of smiles and squeals, it appeared the event was a success.

Challenge Alaska's Jeff Dick said the event could not be possible without the help of dozens of volunteers, including members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and lifeguards from the Palmer Pool, as well as donations from Alaska Toy Rental and Outfitting, REI, Alaska Pacific University and the Palmer Elks.

“It's a lot of different people coming together,” he said.

In particular, Dick praised the Elks for letting the event take place on the lodge's large lakefront spread.

“They've been so generous to open up their facility to us,” he said.

Dick said the support of the public is what keeps the group going, and, ultimately, is responsible for enabling disabled Alaskans to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in ways that otherwise would not be possible.

“It's an opportunity that's more affordable and completely accessible,” he said. “A person who might not have these opportunities can have them at least one day a year.”

For more information on Challenge Alaska programs, visit www.challengealaska.org.

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@

frontiersman.com