Superior Alliance for Independent Living Disability Advocate Jamie Glenn tests out the new Action Trackchair which SAIL recently purchased. The chair allows those with mobility disabilities to navigate any outdoor terrain. (Photo courtesy of Lora Kinnunen)

MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula is well known for its wide variety of outdoor activities. The region has no shortage of hiking, skiing, hunting and fishing opportunities. However, U.P. residents with limited physical mobility can’t always access these recreational opportunities.

Due to this, the Superior Alliance for Independent Living in Marquette recently acquired an Action Trackchair.

“The Action Track Chair will allow our consumers to actively participate in events on terrain that has previously been inaccessible to them,” Julie Shaw, SAIL executive director, said.

Described as the first of its kind, the Action Trackchair is an all-terrain chair that operates like an electric wheelchair, but instead of tires, the trackchair has big, beefy tracks which allows the user to navigate most types of terrain with ease.

“This purchase was made possible by generous donations from our community through our One in Five Annual Appeal, online donations, and support for our Annual Corn Hole Tournament,” Shaw said. “This was one of the late Sarah Peurakoski’s dreams for our consumers and it has finally come to fruition.”

SAIL will designate use of the chair for Single Point Activities for Recreation, or SPAR. SPAR is a health and wellness program operated by SAIL. SPAR advocates to keep accessibility at the forefront of every activity by collaborating with community agencies in organizing activities to help promote an active, recreational lifestyle. SPAR has been a part of SAIL since 2009.

The chair will also be available as part of the U.P. Vets Served program. Served aims to create a positive and supportive environment for veterans that encourages socialization. SAIL says that its mission with SERVED is to “promote camaraderie, allowing individuals to discuss events only our veterans can understand and identify barriers only they face.”

SAIL is a Marquette-based nonprofit that assists U.P. residents who are living with disabilities, helping them live independent lives while encouraging them to become active members of the communities where they live.

SAIL is currently the only center for independent living in the U.P. and one of fifteen throughout the entire state of Michigan. It offers a variety of services and programs throughout the entire U.P. and strives to promote accessibility for every U.P. resident.

SPAR offers monthly events and activities planned to help create a greater sense of community.

Dances, game nights and other events which have a positive impact on the community, such as the Marquette Earth Day cleanup activity scheduled for April 21.

A complete schedule of SPAR events, as well as links on how to donate to the organization can be found on the SAIL website at www.upsail.org.