National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic
About the Clinic
The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is a world-leader in adaptive winter sports instruction for U.S. military Veterans and active duty servicemen and women with disabilities.
Set in stunning Snowmass, Colorado, the Clinic will celebrate its 27th year by bringing nearly 400 Veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological conditions and other disabilities to the mountain.
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.
In addition to Alpine skiing, the Clinic also features a number of other sports including: cross country, rock climbing, scuba diving, kayaking, trapshooting and snowmobiling.
The Clinic is co-sponsored by The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and made possible by a number of sponsors who make monetary and in-kind donations.
Registration for volunteers begins in June and participants can sign up beginning in August.
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2012 DAV Freedom Award Recipient
Every year, one participant is chosen for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Freedom Award for Outstanding Courage and Achievement. This honor is given to a veteran whose participation at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic embodies the rehabilitative value and spirit of the event. It denotes the veteran who proves to the world that an injury or disability does not bar the doors to freedom.
The 2012 DAV Freedom Award was presented to an individual who, like many who participated, has time and again defied tremendous odds just to survive his injury.
Perspectives on Sports Therapy
My Journey to the Mountain: By Kevin Beus, Navy Veteran and first-time National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic participant
"I have been a cross country skier for most of my life, but after I lost my eye sight two years ago I just didn't think I could do it anymore. The VA told me I couldn't do anything for a year after my stroke.
During that time, I gained 40 pounds, lost my muscle tone and I just wasn't active at all. Then the low vision clinic sent me to see a recreation therapist.
Special Events
Interested in creative arts or attending a sports clinic? Check out these VA sponsored special events that are coming up soon.
Want to learn more about programs and services related to healthcare, employment, education and other topics? Visit the National Resource Directory (www.NRD.gov).
