Mark Wellman

A 100 foot fall and a subsequent spinal cord injury would have side-lined most, but for Mark, who has always had an adventuresome sprit and been an "extreme" athlete, his permanent injury was more of a starting point rather than a finish line. He has since become the first person to scale the 3,000 foot face of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, using just his arms. He is also the first person to sit-ski across the 50 mile long Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

It is little wonder that this rugged individual who loves the outdoors would pursue a certificate in Park Management. From 1986-1991, Mark worked full time as an Interpretive Ranger and Director of the Handicapped Services for Yosemite National Park. Seeing the impact he had on visitors to the park, he made a commitment in 1991 to pursue a career of working and motivating others to work toward their goals. In July of 1999 Mark returned to Yosemite to make his 10th anniversary climb of Half Dome, the largest monolith in North America.

Mark's book, "Climbing Back" captures the sprit and sense of adventure which is his trademark. He has produced three videos, "No Barriers", "Beyond Barriers" and "Wheels of Fire". All document the fantastic feats of several outstanding athletes who have a disability. Books and videos accompany him to college campuses and corporate board rooms where his words and pictures have motivated thousands of disabled and able-bodied citizens to exercise their dreams to the fullest.

He is an advisor to the California Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities and Disabled Sports USA. He has been honored with a Congressional commendation and has met with two Presidents. Nothing perhaps can cap an athlete's life than to light an Olympic Flame. In 1996 Mark, with a flame clasped to his leg, he lifted himself up a 100 foot wire  to light the caldron at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta. To the thrill and inspiration of thousands in the stadium and millions throughout the viewing world, Mark exemplified the courage which is so often overlooked of those who have a disability.