Sisters in Sports, not unlike this 2024 Paris Map, strives to provide a road map to and through the Paralympics for women. Photo: Augie Roepke

PARIS — Sisters in Sports, a nonprofit supporting elite female athletes in para sports, was founded by four-time Paralympic skier and three-time medalist Danelle Umstead.

In addition to being a professional athlete, Umstead is a wife to her ski guide-turned-coach Rob, a mother to their teenaged son Brockton, a former Dancing with the Stars contestant, a pet-partner to her guide dog, a pet-parent to her non-guide dog, and a friend to her robust Park City community.

Oksana Masters, co-founder and vice president of Sisters in Sports, is currently competing in her seventh Paralympic Games in Paris. Masters, a torchbearer at the Paris Opening Ceremony, is chasing her 19th medal. With a time of 23 minutes and 45.20 seconds, she won her eighth gold in Para Road Cycling’s H4-H5 Individual Time Trial by a margin of 6.24 seconds. Her fiancé, Aaron Pike, a multi-medalist in both Summer and Winter Paralympics, embraced her at the finish line. The couple also competes in para cross-country skiing.

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“This is so special,” Masters said in an NBC interview after winning gold. “What carried me through today was the belief from my teammates that I could do it, so I relied on that strongly. The atmosphere of everyone and the competitors cheering each other on here—this is the power of sports.”

Umstead and Masters, both board members of the Park City-based Sisters in Sports, work to empower and unite women and girls with disabilities. They promote inclusivity, break down barriers, and celebrate diversity.

Umstead, who has a visual impairment and other diagnoses, discusses her life changes in a statement on the organization’s website.

“I’m proud to have defied the odds and inspired others on a global scale. Beyond sports, I found my voice as a motivational speaker, sharing my story with clients like Google, Amazon, Deloitte, Pfizer, and many more,” Umstead writes on the website. “My experiences led me to found Sisters in Sports, recognizing the crucial need for a supportive community for women and girls with disabilities. Through mentorship, wellness programs, and grant opportunities, we empower each other to thrive. My journey embodies hope, showing that with resilience and determination, one can overcome any obstacle. From hiding my disability to empowering others, I am committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive world for all.”

Among the Sisters in Sports athletes is Jaleen Roberts, a two-time Summer Paralympian and medalist, who is also competing in Paris. Roberts appreciates the community that Sisters in Sports provides, where girls learn to embrace their womanhood and empower one another. She is enthusiastic about the resources available to members, which include life skills geared toward athletic careers and giving girls with disabilities a voice.

Kendall Gretch, a four-time Paralympian and seven-time medalist in Summer paratriathlon and Winter cross-country skiing, is also a co-founder, board member, and mentor leader for Sisters in Sports.

Four-time Summer Paralympic swimmer McKenzie Coan, a Sisters in Sports athlete and mentor, earned her ninth medal in Paris a few days ago. With her athletic legacy fortified, Coan is now continuing her academic journey in law school.

Other notable athletes in the organization include Hannah Dederick, competing in Paris, a two-time Paralympian in wheelchair racing, and Susannah Scaroni, a four-time Paralympian in para track and field.

The organization welcomes women and girls from across the country, regardless of sport. Those interested can apply online to become a member.

McClain Hermes, a Summer Paralympian, recently joined Sisters in Sports, as did other notable figures like 2022 Winter Paralympian alpine skier, Parkite, Allie Johnson and alpine skiing hopeful Hailey Griffin.

Many of these athletes will likely attend the annual fundraising event in Park City this fall.

For information on how to donate to Sisters in Sports, visit their website.

With its ongoing support and dynamic programs, Sisters in Sports is setting up its community for success ahead of the 2034 Winter Paralympics in Park City.