23rd National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

Thank you to all of the participants, staff, sponsors, and volunteers who made the 2009 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic an outstanding success. We hope your time with us was one of healing and fun.
The 2010 Winter Sports Clinic Web site is under construction and will be available soon.   Applications for participants for next year’s Clinic will be available in August, with a return deadline of November 30, 2009.
We hope you accept the challenge to come to the 24th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, March 28 – April 2, 2010.  Hope to see you there for the next installment of Miracles on the Mountainside

2009 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic video**  
Transcript of the 2009 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic video  

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Fact Sheet

What:
The 23rd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is the world leader in promoting rehabilitation by instructing veterans with disabilities in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, and introducing them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. For many newly injured veterans, including increasing numbers injured in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Clinic offers their first experience in winter sports and gives them the inspiration to take their rehabilitation to a higher level.

When:
March 29 – April 3, 2009

Where:
Snowmass Village, Colorado

Who:
Participation is open to U.S. military service veterans with traumatic brain injuries, 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. In addition, a number of active duty military personnel from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have attended in recent years. More than 200 certified ski instructors for the disabled, and several current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, serve as ski instructors to meet the unique needs of the participants. For the third year, a race training and development program will again be held to help veterans develop their skiing abilities to an elite level, with an ultimate goal of qualifying for the U.S. Paralympic Team. More than 400 participants from across the country are expected to attend the Clinic this year. 

Why:
The Winter Sports Clinic provides veterans with disabilities an opportunity for self-development and challenge through sports and leisure activities. In 2008, 124 newly injured military personnel participated in the Clinic – many for the first time, with more expected in 2009. At the Clinic, all participants are able 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 & Hosts:
Sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) with financial assistance from corporate sponsors and individual donors. The Grand Junction, Colorado VA Medical Center and VA’s Rocky Mountain Network host the event.

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, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, rock climbing, trap shooting, fencing, golf, Snow Cat/Gondola Rides and a trip to the Hot Springs; plus educational and instructional workshops on self-defense and other stimulating topics.

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

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

Media Contacts:
VA Public Affairs: Richard Olague (202) 461-7541, (Cell Phone) (202) 746-8552
DAV Communications: Rob Lewis (859) 442-2049

** Video in Windows Media Player format avi **