Still hesitating about your participation in the Hohsaas 12-hour Challenge or want to know what we are raising money for? In the videos below, Joris, Pauline and Mathilde tell why the Hohsaas 12-hour Challenge is so special to them. And participants of the Games or their friends and family members tell what impact the Games has had on their lives!

Larissa (age 29) - Zip skier
Larissa is in a wheelchair and was supposed to go to London for a weekend with a friend a few weeks after the Mentelity Games. The friend had to cancel shortly before departure. But with everything Larissa had learned at the Games, she felt strong and self-reliant enough to go on her own.

Kirsten enjoying herself during the 2022 Mentelity Games. This year, she's going again!

Kirsten (age 21) - Zitskier
"It was such a special week, truly never to be forgotten. Because of the experiences and conversations I started to think so differently. Where I used to see mostly bears on the road, I now think: I'll see how it goes. I now dare to do much more on my own and I even went out on my own twice already. Small things that make such a difference in everyday life. In addition, I have found a sport I enjoy very much: skiing in a seated position makes me want to do more. I now even help other wheelchair users by giving clinics on wheelchair skills!"

Jim in action with his teaching group full of zitskiers on the mountain

Jim (age 24) - Zip Skiing
Robin, Jim's girlfriend, about the trip: "I am extremely grateful for this special week. The Mentelity Games were a unique opportunity for Jim to push boundaries and learn new things. My happiness cannot end when I see Jim beaming as he did during this trip." And Jim has talent as a seated skier: he has already had the opportunity to train with the Dutch para ski team.

Rosa (17 years old) - Zitski
Mother Simone about Rosa: "She has been training hard in rehabilitation after a long course of treatment to become stronger again. To get involved in society again is hard for her. Her disability is something that belongs to her; she will have to accept it, and that goes better one day than the next. That we were able to come along to the Mentelity Games was really great. That Rosa got the chance to ski, then adapted (zitski), was very nice. I saw Rosa flourish, she felt like Rosa again. The togetherness was enormous. The commitment of the organization and all the volunteers was great. One big family. We will carry this with us forever. Thanks!"

Benjamin (left) with his new friend Kieran, whom he met at the Games.

Benjamin (age 11) - Standing skiing
Benjamin wanted session skiing and not standing skiing, because he thought that can't be done. "Another disappointment" he wanted to avoid. After two days of sitting skiing, his supervisor had gotten him to try it anyway ... and by the end of the week he was skiing down the mountain standing up. What a victory!

Joris - competed in the Challenge in his zitski:
"The feeling of really being allowed to participate. I am very grateful for that."

Pauline - participant Hohsaas 12-hour Challenge 2023:
"It is an experience to never forget."

Mathilde - Challenge participant & volunteer Mentelity Games:
"The pride in the parents and the participants. Truly a gift that I got to experience this"