“At first you’re scared to death, you think how can one live without an arm.”
Johan, Mark’s father
At the age of seven, Mark lost his arm in a farm accident. Soon afterwards, he attended a War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar.The experience was a positive turning point for him and his parents. For Mark, it was a chance to meet and be inspired by other amputees. His parents felt embraced by the CHAMP “family” and were reassured that there would be no limits to what their son could achieve.
Mark fully adopted the CHAMP Program's Winner's Circle philosophy. Now he is a role model for the younger Champs and is well-known as a volunteer Safety Ambassador in his island community.
With plenty of determination, not only has Mark developed his own way to enjoy the sports he loves - soccer, cycling and cross-country skiing – but he is also pursuing his goals of becoming a high level biathlete and a civil engineer.
Mark, An Island Champ is a portrait of a young man whose perseverance and quiet strength have helped him to shape his own future.
“My amputation has helped me develop as a better person.
It gave me more drive to be the best that I can be.”
Mark
Awards:
- Award of Excellence - 2010 Communicator Awards (Kentucky)
- Gold Award - 2010 WorldFest-Houston (Texas)
- Gold Award - 2009/10 Mercury Awards (New York)
- Gold Award - 2009 Davey Award (Kentucky)