Dozens of cross country skiers braved the below zero temperatures up in Boonville Sunday morning to raise money for Sitrin's Adaptive Cross Country Ski Program.

The annual Cross Country Ski Challenge was held under bright sunny skies, but at 9:00 AM, the temperature was negative seven.

The skiers participating collected pledges to help the cause.

Sitrin Adaptive Sports Coach James Wallace says all of Sitrin's adaptive programs help people who have encountered some physical problems in their lives adapt back into a competitive atmosphere. He said, "What this allows us to do is provide the opportunity for individuals of many varying abilities to participate in sport and give them the opportunity to compete at all levels or even just recreationally."

Among those skiing Sunday was 22 year old Alli Morgan of Whitesboro, who had a special sit-sled to help her cross country ski. Morgan said, "I got hurt while playinmg field hockey when I was in high School and it led to 46 surgeries actually over the course of six years. I eventually had to make the decision to amputate and it really gave me the quality of life back."

After having that life changing leg amputation surgery, Alli says she entered the life changing Adaptive Cross Country Ski Program at Sitrin. Morgan said, "The challenge of the sport, getting to utilize your body again, it's been an amazing program."

Wallace says he has no doubt Alli will achieve her goal of competing in the Winter Paralympic Games. He said, "She's very driven, in fact I would say she's even more driven than some of your able bodied athletes, Shawn is an outstanding individual, and I hope I can be part of, and Sitrin can be a part of helping carry her on to meet her goals which is to reach the Paralympic Winter Games."