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Disabled Veterans Ski the Rocky Mountains This rehabilitation program is open to all U.S. military veterans with spinal cord injury or disease, certain neurological conditions, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments or other disabilities, who receive care at any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility. This year, for the first time, more than 20 veterans from the current combat operation in Iraq attending, veterans from operations in Afghanistan, who participated in earlier clinics, are also attending. “VA's national rehabilitation special events help veterans to reach their full potential and achieve independence,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “We are honored to welcome veterans from the war on terrorism to this year’s event.” Updates, photos, and news releases about these and all participating veterans will be posted on this web site under “Participant Information,” listed by each veteran’s last name or home state. Sponsored by VA and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the clinic is hosted by the Grand Junction ( Colo.) VA Medical Center and VA’s Rocky Mountain Network. Winter Sports Clinic At the clinic, disabled veterans learn Alpine and Nordic skiing and are introduced to a variety of other activities and sports, such as rock climbing, scuba diving, trap shooting, horseback riding, and sled hockey. The U.S. Secret Service also teaches self-defense to participants who are wheelchair users or visually impaired. The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic shows that the lives of disabled veterans can be changed forever when they discover the extraordinary challenges they can overcome. This experience has been described by participants as “ miracles on a mountainside.” “The Disabled American Veterans is proud to have co-sponsored the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports clinic since 1991,” said DAV National Commander Allan W. Bowers. “The clinic is a wonderful example of DAV’s ongoing commitment to the brave men and women disabled in service to our nation. It is also an excellent example of partnering with VA to deliver the services disabled veterans have earned, and to support their rehabilitation efforts.” Actress Bo Derek, National Honorary Chairperson for VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events, is attending the clinic again this year to meet the veterans and bring visibility to their courage and abilities. On Friday, April 9, “Race Day” at the event, she joins Secretary Principi, Commander Bowers and other VA and DAV leaders, presenting medals to the veterans as they complete their runs. Also at the clinic this year is newly appointed Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Gordon H. Mansfield, and Vice Admiral Daniel L. Cooper, VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits. VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with recreational therapy programs at each of its 162 hospitals. DAV is a nonprofit, congressionally chartered veterans service organization, with a membership of more than one million wartime disabled veterans. Media Inquiries : National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic Media Center , April 3-9, (970) 923-8339. After April 12, contact Annie Tuttle, VA Public Affair Coordinator at (909) 422-3193, or Jim Hall, DAV Communications at (877) 426-2838, ext. 2048. Page Last Reviewed/Modified: Thursday, April 15, 2004 5:02 PM |
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WASHINGTON – 350 disabled military veterans are taking on the challenge of skiing the Rocky Mountains at the 18 th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village at Aspen, Colo., April 4-9.