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SALT LAKE CITY — 15-year-old Ben Smith is traveling through Utah. It doesn't seem to be such a spectacular feat, unless it is noted that Smith is traveling through Utah on a longboard.
In April 2011, Smith's friend Gates Hunsaker suffered a devastating spinal cord injury after a snowboarding accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. The accident happened just days before Hunsaker was to enter the Missionary Training Center in preparation to serve his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Baton Rouge, La.
Hunsaker has already had a lot of support from family, friends, and his community, including the renovation of the Hunsaker home to make it more accessible for his conditions. But Smith, in his own methods, has "gone the distance" for his friend.
Smith's love for longboarding, and love for his friend, has inspired him to travel throughout Utah to raise money for the necessary modifications for Hunsaker's vehicle and other needs such as his medical fees associated with physical therapy.
As of Wednesday, Smith has estimated his current longboard mileage at around 350 miles, and has passed through the Northern Salt Lake area, his home town.
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Wheelchair races aren't part of the official physical therapy program at Intermountain Medical Center.Smith's journey began on June 11 down in Kanab by the border of Arizona. He plans to finish in northern Utah in Portage, close to the Idaho border. Along the way, he has gathered sponsors for his trip with local businesses, and collected donations for Hunsaker's needs.
Despite Smith's method of transportation, he is running ahead of his predetermined schedule. He greeted supporters, fans and news crews the morning of June 20 in Liberty Park, and is continuing his 100 mile trek to Portage Utah.
Some of Smith's sponsors, like Walker's Gas Stations donated gift certificates and Winegars Grocery Store supplied drinks for the meet and greet.
Smith's father has accompanied him, driving along side him in a mobile home for his son's safety, moral support and motivation.
Smith has been recording the progress of his journey on his website, along with the locations where he plans to meet with supporters and collect donations. Donations can also be made on the website www.longboardutahforgates.com. If you happen to see Smith along his route, show him support.
Hunsaker still plans to serve a mission one day, despite his current condition. His health has slowly been improving over the last year.
