The first annual No Barriers/Dolomiti Event held July 8-11, 2004 was organized by the Italian Dolomiti senza barriere onlus in collaboration with a group of Americans. This Italian/American partnership brought people together who have a common goal of helping people with disabilities break through physical barriers.

The objective of the event was to promote outdoor sports and other activities for the disabled.

The event began with a symposium, which was both educational and inspirational. The presentations illustrated how people with disabilities have been helped to overcome major barriers and to accomplish their goals in achieving independence and mobility.

A Round Table discussed ways to increase awareness of the disabled and included question and answer sessions and one-on-one conversations. Many passionate ideas were shared and it helped the audience address handicapped access for communities such as Cortina d’Ampezzo

The event also featured three noted men who have been able to fulfill their dreams regardless of their disabilities. Erik Weihenmayer, despite losing his sight at age 13 has become one of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes in the world. On May 25, 2001, Erik became the first blind climber in history to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Mark Wellman, accomplished athlete and outdoor adventurer, has been a paraplegic since 1982. He has ascended over 50 peaks in the Sierra Nevada as well as many peaks in the French Alps. In 1989, he became the first paraplegic to ascend the 3,000 foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite and in 1993, Mark became the first paraplegic to sit ski unassisted across the 10,000 foot Tioga Pass in the Sierra Nevadas. At age 17, Hugh Herr became stranded with his partner in a vicious mountain storm while climbing Mount Washington in New Hampshire. After nearly four days on the mountain, the two young men suffered hypothermia and frostbite and both Hugh’s legs had to be amputated just below the knee. He built specialized feet that have enabled him to climb the most intrepid of mountain terrain. Hugh led the climb up the Cinque Torri. Despite marginal weather conditions in the Alps, the climbers were able to summit the Cinque Torri.

There were several other events such as ice hockey with paraplegics and amputees, torbal matches for the blind (similar to soccer using a rolling ball for the visually impaired), archery, and a climbing wall set up in the center of town in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Erik, Mark and Hugh helped many people conquer the wall. A crowning delight on Sunday morning was a performance by the students of the “Cantare Suonando” Association from Trento.

Achieving a dream is not necessarily prevented by physical barriers. Often the barrier is in the mind. The event was a great success and all participants are excited to make this an annual event.

No Barriers/Dolomiti is funded by sponsorships and donations. Income in excess of the budget will benefit two organizations dedicated to solving problems that face disabled people. Reach Out & Care Wheels, Inc. (ROC Wheels) in Bozeman, Montana is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs that are properly fit to children in developing countries, but who cannot afford them. La Nostra Famiglia is an Italian charitable association focusing on mobilizing disabled persons and enabling them to be a valuable part of society.

Click Here to see a short picture gallery of the event.

UPDATE 4/16/2004


NO Barriers/Dolomiti
Event Organized under the auspices of ROC Wheels

       Wayne traveled to Italy in July 2003 with Mark Wellman, the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan. There, they helped set up this July 2004 event. This event will include a climb on the infamous Cinque Torri, featuring Mark Wellman and Eric Weihenmayer, the first blind individual to climb Mount Everest. Hugh Herr, a world-renowned climber and double amputee, will also be joining this amazing group of athletes..

       In addition to the climb, there will be an ‘Adventure Fair’ which will showcase the latest adaptive technology for outdoor adventuring..

       Coinciding with this event is the 'Reach Out and Care' Symposium which will feature people and organizations world-wide who provide access for people with disabilities.

Click here to go to the
NO BARRIERS/DOLOMITI website .