Freedom’s Wings Arizona is a nonprofit that is making the sky inclusive for everyone.
The organization aims to bring the world of flying to people with disabilities. On Friday, March 29 they partnered with the Tucson Soaring Club to take athletes from the University of Arizonas Womens Wheelchair Basketball Team up in the air.
They provided free glider rides to nine women on the team at El Tiro Gliderport in Marana.
The organizations founder, Ernie Hilborn, is a retired EMT and has been working on making this dream of his a reality for several years. The organization has officially been a 501(c)(3) for about a year.
He said, Ive always had the desire and even beyond desire of wanting to work with people with different disabilities and also helping my community.
Abby Dunn is a junior at UA and was the first of her team to take a ride in a glider.
It was super fun, Dunn said. He (the pilot) showed me a bunch of stuff around Tucson that you dont get to see when youre driving. And I got to control it a little bit, which was a little scary, but it was cool.
It takes community support to make these rides happen. Experimental Aircraft Association #81 was a sponsor for Fridays rides.
EAA President, Erik Fjerstad said, We basically paid for the use of the gliders and the operations here. Its a great opportunity to give these courageous kids an opportunity to fly.
Freedoms Wings Arizona is hoping to plan future events to give others in the community a chance to experience their motto of, Defy gravity, defy limitations and soar.