There's no business like snow business
In February of this year, San Diego VA SCI Recreation Therapy was given an opportunity to host a group of Cal–Diego PVA veterans to attend the first annual ski clinic held in Durango, CO. In conjunction with the Adaptive Sports Association, Inc. (ASA) and the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Club, six skiers and three support staff were sponsored to attend this incredible event.
Every day the skiers were greeted with volunteers who donated their time and vehicles to transport the group up and down the mountain. At the ASA Ski School, we were welcomed each morning by its friendly and skilled staff. Scott "Grizz" Kelley was there to make sure things ran smoothly each day and the lunches that the school provided were delicious. At the end of each day we were served a hot meal sponsored by local organizations and caring individuals at our host hotel, the Hampton Inn. This was topped off with the Hampton Inn’s free yummy cookies and a game of Dominoes or Spades.
And the skiing was truly intense! It included four, six – hour days of skiing lessons and adaptive ski equipment rental. "Being with my veteran brothers at the ASA clinic was a very unique opportunity to have a more intimate family skiing experience," stated skier Darol Kubacz. The mountain was challenging and I guarantee everyone left a little skin on his/her favorite ski run.
Special thanks go to Al Kovach and Ross Ehrhardt for making this event a true success. If you would like to learn more about ASA and its adaptive sports opportunities, you can visit the website at www.asadurango.org