Doug Keil - Visionaries Act

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Challenge Alaska's founder, Doug Keil, was electrocuted when he was 14. As a result, his left arm and left leg were amputated. Following the accident, Doug struggled with depression. After many years, he discovered an adaptive program at Winter Park in Colorado in 1975, which renewed his hope and helped turn his life around. Doug represented the United States in the 1980 Winter Paralympics, winning 2 Gold Medals in para-alpine skiing. 

Returning from the Paralympics, Doug was determined to bring the same opportunities he found in Winter Park to Alaskans living with disabilities. Challenge Alaska was founded in 1980 and incorporated in 1982 to provide sports and recreation opportunities to Alaskans living with disabilities. Our first "office" was in a broom closet at Alyeska Resort, serving less than a dozen participants. Challenge Alaska now helps more than 1,000 people living with disabilities every year. A small sampling of our programs include archery, sled hockey, adaptive skiing, book club, and so much more.

About Challenge Alaska

• Mission: Challenge Alaska improves the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and the community through adaptive sports, therapeutic recreation, and education.
• Vision: Alaskans of all abilities have equal opportunity and access to sports, recreation, and community.

A Quote from This Episode

• "It was the first time since my accident that I felt the wind in my hair. Being able to move and the feeling of exhilaration...your body is free."

Resources/Authors Mentioned in This Episode

• Website: Challenge Alaska: 
• Honor: Senator Dan Sullivan Recognizes Doug Keil as Alaskan of the Week
• Article: Alaska Sends 3 Paralympians to Compete for Team USA in Beijing
• Movie: Just a Little Inconvenience

The International Studying Leadership Conference

• ISLC at Copenhagen Business School from December 10-12, 2023

About The International Leadership Association (ILA)

• The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in the study, practice, and teaching of leadership. Plan now for ILA's 25th Global Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, on October 12-15, 2023.

About  Scott J. Allen

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• The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic.