What:

The 19 th Annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic promotes rehabilitation by instructing severely disabled veterans in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, and introducing them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports.

When:

April 3-8, 2005

Where: 

Snowmass Resort Village at Aspen , Colorado

Who:

Participation is open to male and female U.S. military service veterans with spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other disabilities. Veterans who receive health care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility have first priority. More than 350 participants from across the country are expected to attend. Over 150 certified handicapped ski instructors, and several current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, will serve as instructors.

Why:

The Winter Sports Clinic provides disabled veterans with opportunities for self-development and challenge through sports and leisure activities, which they may have felt were no longer available to them because of their disabilities. At the Clinic, participants have the chance to develop winter sports skills and take part in a variety of adaptive workshops, which demonstrate that having a physical or visual disability need not be an obstacle to an active, rewarding life.

Sponsors/Host:

Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
with financial assistance from corporate sponsors and individual donors.
Hosted by the Grand Junction , Colorado VA Medical Center and VA’s Rocky Mountain Network.

Events:

Adaptive skiing with mono-skis and bi-skis; instruction in adaptive Alpine (downhill) and Nordic (cross-country) skiing for stand-up skiers, including the visually impaired; alternate activities including scuba diving, sled hockey, snowmobiling, rock climbing, handcycling and horseback riding; plus educational workshops on self-defense and other stimulating topics.

Program Contacts:

VA National Director, Winter Sports Clinic: Sandy Trombetta (970) 244-1314

Sponsor Contacts:

DAV National Director, Voluntary Services: Ed Hartman (202) 314-5246

Media Contacts:

VA Public Affairs: Jenny Tankersley (757) 728-3450 or (757) 254-6058 (cell)
DAV Communications: Rob Lewis (859) 442-2049