On Feb. 8, Parker students in fourth and fifth grades were treated to a visit and presentation by famed Canadian Paralympic alpine skier Josh Dueck. ADVERTISING On Feb. 8, Parker students in fourth and fifth grades were treated to a
On Feb. 8, Parker students in fourth and fifth grades were treated to a visit and presentation by famed Canadian Paralympic alpine skier Josh Dueck.
Paralyzed from the waist down in a skiing accident in 2004 at the age of 23, Dueck shared his personal story of perseverance and overcoming adversity with students. Dueck fought hard to get back on the slopes and did so in a big way winning a gold medal in men’s super-combined and a silver in sitting downhill at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. In addition, he won gold in mono skier X at the 2011 X Games, bronze at the 2012 X Games and multiple other top honors, including the title of the world’s first sit-skier to complete a back flip.
Students were enthralled during his presentation which ended with a dynamic question and answer session.
“Josh was such an inspiration to our fourth and fifth graders – they were amazed and truly engaged in learning about his life journey and the lessons learned through his experiences,” said Heather Emmons, Parker School fourth grade teacher. “He spoke to our 9 and 10 year olds in a way that captured their attention and, like a teacher, taught students very important life lessons to be remembered.”
Dueck personally signed a photo for each student.
Retired from skiing in 2014, today Dueck travels the world as a motivational speaker.
