History

The Unrecables: a brief history

The Unrecables “Unlimited Recreational Abilities” was founded by Ron Bass in 1980 after he spent a summer working with the New Zealand Association for Disabled Skiers. His vision was to make skiing accessible to individuals throughout Southern California with disabilities. The club emerged out of a growing recognition of the need for adaptive sports programs that could provide recreational opportunities for individuals with all levels of physical and cognitive ability.

Beyond its athletic achievements, The Unrecables have had a profound impact on the community by promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities. The club’s members, volunteers, and supporters have worked tirelessly to create a supportive environment where everyone can enjoy the thrill of outdoor activities. The story of The Unrecables is one of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the freedom and exhilaration of outdoor sports.

Today, The Unrecables offers adaptive skiing (stand-up and sit-skiing) and adaptive snowboarding to individuals with a variety of challenges: physical, cognitive, visual, and hearing. They remain at the forefront of advocacy and innovation in adaptive sports, inspiring new generations to push boundaries and embrace the joy of an active lifestyle.

Past presidents

YearName
2026-2027John Gray
2024-2026Amanda Davis
2016-2024Michelle McCarthy
2012-2016J Davis
2010-2012Amade Nyirak
2007-2010Sigrid Noack
2004-2007Inge Hobo-Scheinfrab
2002-2004Barbara Miyamoto
2001-2002Sigrid Noack
2000-2001Gordon Chan
1998-2000Jonna Krall
1997-1998Gordon Cardona
1995-1997Sigrid Noack
1994-1995Dee A./Mike Zimmerman
1993-1994Dee Armstrong
1991-1993Dick Martin
1989-1991Dee Armstrong
1987-1989Linda Fryback
1986-1987Dan Baker
1985-1986Ron Bass
1984-1985Michael Luna
1982-1984Sharon Smyth
1980-1982Ron Bass (Founder)

Volunteer(s) of the Year

Year
2025Bob Hayes
2019Mike JulianSoo Lee
2018Kenny Chan Marina Sallaway
2017Darryl CoitHannah Nishimoto
2016Kenny ChanGlenda Phillips
2015John GrayDee Armstrong
2014Gordon CardonaMichelle McCarthy
2013Marc LafluerErin Hayden
2012Gordon CardonaSoo Lee
2011John MelvilleSigrid Noack
2010J DavisJennifer Nerad-Sultan
2009Glenn GreenSoo Lee
2008PJ SallawayMarina Sallaway
2007Gordon ChuInge Hobo-Scheinfarb
2006Chuck DeBerardHelen DeBerard
2005John MelvilleHannah Nishimoto
2004Steve LefkowitzKaren Finfer
2003Daniel PalaciosKathy Paisley
2002Kurt Rust Michelle McCarthy
2001Scott NakadaBarbara Miyamoto
2000Gordon CardonaSigrid Noack
1999Craig CliftonDee Armstrong
1998Gordon ChanGlenda Phillips
1997Richard WuRandi Woodrow
1996John MelvilleJonna Krall
1995Gordon CardonaOnnolee Slaten
1994Ken SodomaDeborah Weller-Walton
1993John WileyDee Armstrong
1991Dick MartinOnnolee Slaten
LA Council - Man, Woman & Volunteer of the Year
2019Soo LeeWoman of the Year
2018Kenny ChanMan of the Year
2017Hannah NishimotoWoman of the Year
2015John GrayMan of the Year
2012Sigrid NoackFWSA Woman of the Year
2011Sigrid NoackWoman of the Year
2000Gordon Cardona Man of the Year
2000Sigrid NoackWoman of the Year

Club awards

YearAwardPlace
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner
1980Best Club AwardWinner