World T.E.A.M. Sports 2016 Annual Review World T.E.A.M. Sports Annual Report 2016 | Page 24

ADVENTURE
NY | DC | CO
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
PARTICIPANTS NY ATHLETES: 29 | NY VOLUNTEERS: 15 | DC ATHLETES: 23 | DC VOLUNTEERS: 19 | CO ATHLETES: 56 | CO VOLUNTEERS: 21
ZACH
BASTAIN
ATHLETE
ATC Colorado 2015-2016
TEAM CHALLENGE
Newport, Rhode Island athlete Zack Bastain
regained his love of outdoor sports through
surfing after an accident left him a paraplegic
at age 16. Documented in the 2013 film “Endless
Abilities,” Zack confronted his physical disability
in a journey west to surf the Pacific Ocean.
In 2015, Zack and his friends agreed to compete
in Colorado’s Adventure Team Challenge.
Unfortunately, a last-minute injury sidelined him,
but he was determined to return in 2016 after
watching his team’s enthusiasm.
CREATING TEAMWORK
THROUGH ADVERSITY
After getting into shape and competing in two
marathons, Zack was ready. On the very first day
of the 2016 Challenge, he took a tumble with
his hand cycle down into a rushing stream – the
bike was washed away, but quick action by his
teammates pulled him to safety. The following
days, flat tires on bikes, athlete muscle cramps,
and becoming hopelessly lost dashed any hopes
of winning.
“We knew we were the slowest team, and we
decided to just take it all in, lose the pressure
to ‘win’ and just enjoy the experience,” recalled
Zack. “That’s when we really started gelling
and getting into a groove—when we let go of
expectations and just enjoyed the ride.”
Although they finished last, they gained respect
for themselves and now serve as a role model to
future teams to not give up, even when adversity
makes life difficult.
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