Through the Ability Center, White received grants to purchase bobsleds. She was able to pick up two used two-person sleds that were in "excellent shape" at a reasonable price. The only required modification involved building a door in the hood of the sled that allowed staff members to position a driver's legs. A special board was also built to assist drivers getting in and out of the sled.

The field of drivers can include any individual with upper-body mobility. This would include paraplegics, amputees and individuals with spina bifida.

White is still looking at possibilities for the second rider or brakeman.

"The start is very important. What would work out well is to go with amputees or individuals who are visually impaired. They would be able to push off in the start and then jump into the sled," she explained.

It then comes down to finding individuals who can live with the speed.

"It's one thing to say you want to ride, but another to be stuck in a sled going down the track at 70 and 80 miles per hour. It's a pretty violent ride. It's one I'm looking forward to, but I don't think everyone feels the same way about speed," said Lanningham. "Driving a bobsled is like nothing I've done before. You're in such a closed environment. When they talk about 'tunnel vision,' I don't think you can get a better example than driving a bobsled. All your attention is focused straight ahead of you. But it's a rush."

It does require skill, training and a thirst for speed, which is what Lanningham is looking forward to quenching and what others in the futures will be able to sample — now and possibly someday in the Paralympics.

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