Lakewood, WA – Mark Wellman did not allow a fall of one hundred feet and a subsequent spinal cord injury keep him from accomplishing the things he loves most, his dedication to outdoor adventure. Wellman, 44, has been a mountaineer since the age of 12. He has ascended over 50 Sierra Nevada peaks, including the French Alps. A freak accident on his descent of the Seven Gables in the John Muir Wilderness left him paralyzed from the waist down in 1982.
Wellman has continued his love for climbing with the help of his climbing partner, Mike Corbett. In 1989, they made history with their ascent of the 3,000-foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. A former member of the United States Disabled Ski Team, competing in two Paralympics, Wellman is also known for his extreme downhill skiing and white water kayaking adventures. Wellman’s motivational presentation will be followed by a climbing demonstration on a rock wall. Community members are encouraged to try out the rock wall following Wellman’s presentation. To read more about Mark Wellman, visit www.nolimitstahoe.com. He will speak on Tuesday, October 13 at noon in the Student Center – Building 23.