Camp for skiers with disabilities marks 13th year

[Duluth News Tribune, February 24, 2016] The first few times Cody Schlecht aimed down the bunny hill at Spirit Mountain on Wednesday afternoon there were straps that ran from his skis to a ski instructor trailing behind. That didn't last long. After a few practice runs Schlecht, 15, from Willmar, Minn., was on his own, his first time skiing with outrigger poles fitted with mini skis on the ends. "He's skied before, but not with poles. Balance is a big issue with these kids," said Carey Schlecht, Cody's dad. "These kids" means kids with spina bifida, a spinal deformity Cody was born with. Cody needs ankle braces to walk. But that's not keeping him off the slopes during the 13th Annual Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute - Northland ski camp running through Friday at Spirit Mountain.