Wisem Torbay: Athlete and Activist

The WAS team has been changing and improving many lives in different and incredible ways, including mine. My name is Wisem (Sam) Torbay, I am 21 years old and I am also a WAS (Wasatch Adaptive Sports) student since 2018. I am originally from Venezuela, located in the north of South America. I moved to the United States when I was 16 years old, (10 months after my injury).

I found out about WAS through a friend at school. He talked to me about the activities he was doing and the experiences he was living and also about all the things that Wasatch Adaptive Sports make possible for us. I immediately asked him where to go, how do I sign up and then he invited me over and introduced me to the WAS team and I signed up for my first skiing lesson in the mountains at Snowbird Resort. As soon as I got out there and felt the limitless freedom I had in the snow, I realized that skiing was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It does not matter if I’m in a wheelchair or walking, I do not feel the difference when I’m skiing. So far, I am involved in the skiing and cycling programs which I enjoy to the fullest. It is a great way to keep yourself in shape and motivated during the summer and winter months. What I’ve been enjoying the most with Wasatch Adaptive Sports is the teamwork they do and the pleasant cultural environment of coexistence that they create. It makes everything easier and better, the learning becomes exciting. WAS has impacted my life incredibly in so many ways. Now I feel better physically and emotionally, and I can say that I am a healthier person. 

Before my spinal cord injury, I was an athlete. I played soccer and practiced parkour. I used to go to the gym at least 5 times a week and lift weights. I was a very active man with a busy life, and after my injury, everything changed. Life was 100% different, and when I thought I could no longer be an athlete or lead an active life, Wasatch Adaptive Sports taught me that it is possible if I want it to be. They opened the door I was waiting for. 

My story began when I was 15 years old in my hometown Barquisimeto-Venezuela. It was the afternoon of May 5, 2014 when I got shot a few months after joining the resistance while fighting the regime that rules my country to win our freedom back, build our future, and reestablish the democracy. The bullet hit me in the left side of my chest and went through my body and then it hit my spine. As soon as I fell on the floor, I knew that my legs were compromised and of course, paralyzed. Since then, my life changed completely. I could not stay in Venezuela since I was being persecuted by the regime. I received help from the US embassy and was able to get my visa and flee the country. I lived in Philadelphia for 1 year and a half and then I moved to Utah, where I was blessed enough to meet the Wasatch Adaptive Sports team. I would recommend to anyone to join the WAS team as a student or volunteer. I promise that once you live the experience, everything around you will change in a positive way.