Mark Polaski, a 32-year Probation Case Specialist at the Worcester County Probate & Family Probation Department, took home two silver medals after participating in ski events last week as part of the Special Olympics held at Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort in Princeton.

 

"It was unreal, I can't describe it. It was totally awesome," Polaski said of his victory. "I am so happy and proud and I can't wait until next year."

 

Polaski, who was born with cerebral palsy, took home two silver medals. One was in the "glide" and the second in the "super-glide" skiing events. The glide is a straight downhill run and the super-glide features a cross-cutting movement with skis between poles set up as obstacles. Polaski was one of 2,000 Special Olympians and coaches at the winter games held in locations throughout Worcester County.

 

An exuberant Polaski accepted his medals at a special ceremony attended by friends and family. He first became a Special Olympian in 2003 at the encouragement of his sister. Polaski has taken home two gold medals and another one in silver over the past couple of years.

 

Polaski, who is nicknamed "Duke," was especially happy with his performance this year. Last year, he injured his leg two weeks before the competition but competed anyway. He came in fourth when a pain in his leg flared up and caused him to fall. Despite this, he did not give up. When he fell and was unable to ski the rest of the way, he crawled to the finish line.

 

This year, Polaski had many months of training which he began during a heatwave in the summer of 2005. He took his workout to the beach where he walked along the coast line of Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. Polaski also walked around his Worcester neighborhood and took the stairs instead of the elevator at work.

 

Polaski's friend Brad Cole, who first introduced him to the sport of skiing eight years ago, said, "Mark's love and passion for skiing is an extension of his outlook on life. If we could all do as well as Mark. I am proud he is my friend."