DAV, VA Bring Together Non-profits,
Businesses, Volunteers for World-Renowned Adaptive Sports
Snowmass, Co.
(April 4, 2014)– Nearly 400 ill and injured veterans and active-duty
service-men and women from across the nation are in Snowmass, Colorado this
week for the 28th Annual
National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (NDVWSC). Co-hosted by DAV
(Disabled American Veterans), the leading veteran service organization
supporting wounded, ill and injured veterans of all eras, and the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA), the clinic promotes rehabilitation through adaptive
Alpine and Nordic skiing and offers an introduction to other adaptive
activities and sports. This year’s event kicked off on Saturday with opening
ceremonies, and will run through Friday, April 4.
NDVWSC is
recognized as the world leader in adaptive winter sports instruction.
Participants are exposed to the very latest in adaptive equipment, which is
often retrofitted on the spot to fit each individual’s unique needs. Nearly 200
specially trained, certified ski instructors, other rehabilitative specialists
and dedicated volunteers assist participants. The clinic offers a range of
programs, seminars and activities, including adaptive skiing in sit-skis,
mono-skis and bi-skis, scuba diving, rock climbing, wheelchair self-defense,
sled hockey and snowmobiling.
Clinic
attendees include men and women service members and veterans with profound
disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual
impairments, certain neurological problems and other injuries. Veterans with
inpatient or outpatient status at a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility
receive first priority for participating in the clinic. The event has been a
starting point for many Paralympic athletes.
To date
nearly 8,000 ill and injured American veterans have participated in the Winter
Sports Clinic. In addition to facilitation by DAV and VA, sponsors such as Ford
Motor Company, Cisco, Prudential, UnitedHealthcare Military and Veterans, Veterans Canteen Service, Military.com, DAV Department of Missouri and DAV
Missouri Chapter 2 give support
and time, including volunteer activities alongside participants.
For more
information, please visit www.wintersportsclinic.org or www.wintersportsclinic.va.gov.
About
DAV
DAV
empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is
dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who
served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access
the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of
America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the
great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
DAV, a non-profit organization with 1.2 million members, was founded in 1920
and chartered by the U. S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at http://www.dav.org.
About VA
The
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs
& Special Events is the recognized world leader in rehabilitative and
recreational therapies for disabled Veterans. VA promotes the rehabilitation of
body and spirit by operating adaptive sports clinics and competitions around
the nation. Learn more about VA's adaptive sports programs and partnerships at www.va.gov/adaptivesports.
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