Mark Wellman, a nationally-renowned paraplegic adventurer, climber and filmmaker, will visit UNL on March 6.
He will lead an adaptive climbing clinic from 1 to 4 p.m. at Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Adventure Center. Wellman will also talk about lessons he’s learned while pushing aside limitations in search of adventure at 7 p.m. in the Nebraska Union Auditorium.
Both events are free and open to the students, faculty, staff and the public.
Since being paralyzed in a mountain climbing accident, Wellman has inspired millions to confront their problems and to adventure into new horizons. A two-time paralympian and former park range at Yosemite National Park, Wellman is best known for the historic first paraplegic ascents of the sheer granite faces of El Capitan and Half Dome. He is also the first paraplegic to sit-ski unassisted across the Sierra Nevada Mountains and amazed thousands of spectators when he carried the Olympic torch up a 120-foot rope to light the cauldron for the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta.
Wellman’s clinic at the Outdoor Adventure Center will include details on how he has adapted gear and climbing principles to work with his abilities. Participants will experience the challenges and joys of climbing through various adaptations. The session is free. RSVPs can be submitted by calling 402-472-4777.
The sessions are hosted by UNL Outdoor Adventures, in partnership with Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital and Union Bank and Trust.
For more information, contact Todd Grier at todd.grier@unl.edu or 402-472-4777.
