Supporting Vision Impaired Athletes: Hiker Embarks on Great Divide Trail for Fundraiser

Zach Rusk decided to hike the Great Divide Trail to support the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association For The Blind in honor of his father. The challenging trek spans 1,200 kilometers from Waterton Lakes National Park to Kakwa Lake Provincial Park, B.C. and will start on July 12. Rusk will be accompanied by his friend Mark Mitchell from New Brunswick during the journey. The hike will take them through various locations such as Coleman, Crowsnest Pass, Kananaskis Lakes, Sunshine Village, Field, and Jasper before reaching Kakwa Lake Provincial Park.

Rusk's inspiration to raise funds for the organization stems from his father's hunting accident in Foothills County in 2020, which left him blind and partially paralyzed. Despite the challenges, his father has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain his abilities. As a result, Rusk decided to support the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association For The Blind to help visually impaired individuals participate in sports and physical activities.

The association offers various programs to assist visually impaired people of all ages in engaging in sports and other physical activities. One of the sports they promote is "blind hockey," which involves using a puck that creates noise and moves at a slower pace to accommodate visually impaired players. Rusk aims to raise $50,000 through an online fundraiser to support the organization in its efforts to make sports more accessible for people with vision impairment.

Despite the challenges that his father faced after the accident, Rusk's father remains determined to stay active and engaged in physical activities. Rusk's father, a former outdoorsman and military veteran, completed the Great Divide's American route in 2019, showcasing his resilience and determination. Through his fundraising efforts, Rusk hopes to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity for individuals with vision impairments and support the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association For The Blind.

The Great Divide Trail, with its multiple crossings between Alberta and B.C., symbolizes the journey of overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights. Rusk's fundraiser is a testament to his commitment to supporting visually impaired individuals in pursuing their passion for sports and outdoor activities. The initiative embodies the spirit of resilience, determination, and community support in making a difference in the lives of those facing vision impairment challenges.