Two veterans from southwest Michigan participated in the 38th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (NDVWSC) in Aspen-Snowmas, Colorado last week.
Franklin Mays of Okemos and Jill Wolf of Grand Rapids participate in several adaptive sports activities with about 400 fellow disabled veterans, with help from about 600 volunteers and 200 sponsors. So I left Michigan for the snowy mountains.
Affectionately referred to as the “Miracle on the Mountainside,” this five-day event features an adaptive program that includes alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, sled hockey, scuba diving, snowmobiling, rock climbing, and countless workshops and activities. Provide sports therapy opportunities for participants. As a second-year participant, Wolfe was impressed with the organization and was surprised by how many volunteers and participants remembered last year. “Volunteers and staff treat us like royalty, helping us with everything from putting on our skis to rescheduling events. For many people with disabilities, buffet lines are their worst nightmare. , they helped us with that as well.'' You can watch a 15-minute video of highlights from last week's event here.
VA is co-sponsoring with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and receives financial support from corporate sponsors and private donors. Mays, who participated for the first time, said, “I am very grateful for the scholarship. Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to attend the clinic.'' “The hardest part was going through the physical exam to make sure it was safe to participate. “The room was close to the hot tub, which felt great after a day on the slopes. The volunteers were also great and it was a pleasure to have their support.’ Winter sports clinics are the pinnacle of winter sports for many enthusiasts with unique physical challenges. A 15-minute video of highlights from last week's event is available here.
The first winter sports clinic was held in 1987 and involved 90 disabled veterans. For nearly 40 years, NDVWSC has helped veterans living with physical disabilities and invisible scars overcome obstacles and push their limits. World-class instructors and recreational therapists work closely with veterans to help them experience the full potential of adaptive sports and recreational therapy as tools for improved health and well-being.
“I recommend this for veterinarians with disabilities,” Wolf added. “I've talked to many fellow veterans who told me this clinic has saved their lives. We've seen some of our most disabled veterans get out into the field and down the mountain with the help of coaches. To view content from the event, follow @Sports4Vets and @DAVHQ on X, Instagram on Facebook, Sports4Vets and DAV and search #Wintersportclinic or https://linktr.ee Visit /davsocial.
