Danelle Umstead is a world-class athlete who relies on the unshakable bond of trust she shares with her husband Rob instead of her own sight. On downhill runs, Rob skis just ahead of Danelle, calling out every turn and change in terrain. As she became a professional skier despite her limitations, i t’s safe to say her story is one of extraordinary determination. As impressive as her achievements are, her story has come to transcend the race course and reach deeply into the community. A Park City resident since 2006, Umstead is a four-time Paralympian and three-time Paralympic bronze medalist in alpine skiing. Together, Danelle and Rob became the first visually impaired husband-and-wife ski racing team to compete and medal for Team USA at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games. They brought home bronze medals in both the downhill and super-combined events, eventually securing over 50 medals in the alpine skiing World Cup competition. She also has the honor of being the first ever blind contestant on “Dancing with the Stars”. Umstead was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at age 13, a genetic eye disease that leads to blindness. But she has never let her vision define her limits. After losing her central vision and eventually most of her sight, she discovered adaptive skiing at age 29 through her father. The sport transformed her life, giving her a renewed sense of freedom. Umstead also battles multiple sclerosis, affecting her cognition at times.  “Sports change your life, no matter what age you are when you get involved. Being active and in a community within sports is just life-changing,” Umstead says. “I also felt like I had no one to look up to, I definitely found it within Olympians.” This feeling of empowerment inspired her to create the Sisters in Sports Foundation (SIS) in 2020. It recognizes that women and girls with disabilities face significant barriers to entering the world of sports and helps provide them with resources to overcome these barriers. In 2023, she co-founded the next iteration of the foundation alongside Paralympic powerhouses Oksana Masters and Kendall Gretsch.  “We had eight women show up and compete in the Paralympic Games in 2026,” Umstead shares. “It was incredible. We’re actually seeing our work come to fruition. We make sure that they stay active throughout the year.”  The organization’s mission is to ensure every woman and girl with a disability belongs, thrives, and rises through sport and community. The foundation has already supported more than 50 athletes through direct grants and specialized programs. Beyond financial support, Sisters in Sports prioritizes mental health and wellness by offering monthly roundtables and licensed, one-on-one support from sports psychologists. The foundation also connects aspiring athletes with established female mentors who have navigated the unique challenges of being a disabled athlete.  “We just had our first gold medalists in our foundation,” Umstead says. “Kate Delson, a Park City local, medaled in snowboarding at the 2026 Winter Paralympics. She’s incredible. She’s been with us for four years and has used all of our resources.”  Summer Adventures The foundation is always expanding its reach and creating new avenues for outdoor recreation and community engagement during the warmer months. From gathering to make arts and crafts to more intentional discussions about navigating life, the importance of showing up for each other is paramount.  “All of the resources that we give to our athletes are year-round,” Umstead explains. “We continue to support them holistically.”  In May 2026, SIS launched a new series of virtual programs. A mental performance roundtable, focused on learning new skills to improve mental health; SIS Connect, an informal roundtable held at least once a month to hold discussions and support one another; and Speaker Gym, a Toastmasters-style roundtable to help athletes develop their public-speaking abilities, share their stories, and advocate for themselves. In June, SIS also launched a virtual workout to keep girls competitive and part of the community.  This September, SIS will host its first internal camp, bringing together all athletes from across the country before the annual fundraising gala on September 26. SIS is also part of Live PC, Give PC.  “We’ve seen that we’re keeping these athletes in sports by providing access to these things that help them have a community,” Umstead continues. “We’re providing something that women don’t get.”  At Sisters in Sports, support never stops with a single grant or workshop. The foundation champions a pay-it-forward effort. As athletes grow, they step into mentorship roles themselves, becoming community leaders. Umstead explains that keeping athletes on the trails, whether by funding prosthetics or bikes, is a necessary part of the mission as well. Often, prosthetics start at $20,000.  “Reach out, support, and learn,” Umstead states. “There are so many beautiful things that come from community support. Together we rise.” Sisters in Sports welcomes volunteers at all upcoming events. To learn more, visit sistersinsportsfoundation.org View more in the Summer 2026 Adventure Guide The post Sisters in Sports appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less