DAV Magazine — November/December 2016
TAKE PART IN YOUR OWN 'MIRACLE ON A MOUNTAINSIDE'
Winter Sports Clinic openes registration
The participant application process for the 31st National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is now open. The event, co-hosted by DAV and the Department of Veterans Affairs, will be held March 26–31, 2017, in Snowmass Village, Colo. It is the largest adaptive rehabilitative sporting event of its kind in the world. The registration deadline is Nov. 30.
This program has changed the lives of more than 10,000 of America’s most severely injured and ill veterans since its inception. Often referred to as “Miracles on a Mountainside,” it helps injured veterans rebuild confidence and regain balance in their lives.
One veteran who credits the Winter Sports Clinic with turning around his life is DAV’s own National Commander, quadruple amputee Dave Riley.
“This is an event that has the power to change a person’s life. That’s exactly what it did for me,” said Riley, who found an affinity for the sit-ski at the 2010 clinic. “After losing my limbs, I felt most opportunities had been closed to me. When I first got to ski, I got that adrenaline back and realized I could still do things.”
The clinic is open to U.S. military veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other disabilities who receive care at a VA medical facility or military treatment center. Some active military members are also eligible to participate.
“We at the VA and DAV share a goal of making this a world-class opportunity,” said Teresa Parks, Director, National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. “We are so proud of the impact we are having together on the lives of our nation’s heroes, and we want to extend the opportunity to as many qualified veterans as possible.”
The life-altering weeklong clinic helps injured and ill veterans experience the freedom, exhilaration and physical and mental benefits of adaptive winter sports. Studies show adaptive sports alleviate stress, reduce reliance on pain and depression medication and result in higher achievement in education and employment while also leading to greater independence.
“Our prime focus is and will always be ensuring our nation’s veterans and their families are empowered to lead fulfilled lives with respect and dignity,” said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “The Winter Sports Clinic is a phenomenal example of how we do this, as we’ll show nearly 350 ill or injured veterans they can push their boundaries and thrive in this environment.”
“This is a great place for veterans to push their limits, learn new things and find independence,” said Riley. “It’s a chance to regain that feeling they had back before they were injured— a feeling that I can tell you from experience you think you might not get again after being hurt.”
Learn More Online
To apply for the clinic, find eligibility requirements and additional information, visit wintersportsclinic.org.
The participant application process for the 31st National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is now open. The event, co-hosted by DAV and the Department of Veterans Affairs, will be held March 26–31, 2017, in Snowmass Village, Colo. It is the largest adaptive rehabilitative sporting event of its kind in the world. The registration deadline is Nov. 30.
This program has changed the lives of more than 10,000 of America’s most severely injured and ill veterans since its inception. Often referred to as “Miracles on a Mountainside,” it helps injured veterans rebuild confidence and regain balance in their lives.
One veteran who credits the Winter Sports Clinic with turning around his life is DAV’s own National Commander, quadruple amputee Dave Riley.
“This is an event that has the power to change a person’s life. That’s exactly what it did for me,” said Riley, who found an affinity for the sit-ski at the 2010 clinic. “After losing my limbs, I felt most opportunities had been closed to me. When I first got to ski, I got that adrenaline back and realized I could still do things.”
The clinic is open to U.S. military veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other disabilities who receive care at a VA medical facility or military treatment center. Some active military members are also eligible to participate.
“We at the VA and DAV share a goal of making this a world-class opportunity,” said Teresa Parks, Director, National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. “We are so proud of the impact we are having together on the lives of our nation’s heroes, and we want to extend the opportunity to as many qualified veterans as possible.”
The life-altering weeklong clinic helps injured and ill veterans experience the freedom, exhilaration and physical and mental benefits of adaptive winter sports. Studies show adaptive sports alleviate stress, reduce reliance on pain and depression medication and result in higher achievement in education and employment while also leading to greater independence.
“Our prime focus is and will always be ensuring our nation’s veterans and their families are empowered to lead fulfilled lives with respect and dignity,” said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “The Winter Sports Clinic is a phenomenal example of how we do this, as we’ll show nearly 350 ill or injured veterans they can push their boundaries and thrive in this environment.”
“This is a great place for veterans to push their limits, learn new things and find independence,” said Riley. “It’s a chance to regain that feeling they had back before they were injured— a feeling that I can tell you from experience you think you might not get again after being hurt.”
Learn More Online
To apply for the clinic, find eligibility requirements and additional information, visit wintersportsclinic.org.
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