20th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

"Miracles on a Mountainside" was the theme of this year’s National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, held April 2- 9. DAV sponsored this wonderful event held every year in Snowmass, CO. The title which this event bears – Winter Sports Clinic (WSC) encompasses it all. Events offered include: downhill skiing, cross country skiing, trap shooting, archery, fencing, rock climbing, scuba diving, gondola rides, yoga, snowshoeing... the list just goes on and on. Everyone agreed, there was something for everyone. When not involved in the active sporting events there was always plenty of entertainment in the evenings with big-name stars appearing like Clay Walker. Nightly entertainment and dancing took place, provided one had enough energy left to take part.

For 20 years, the Grand Junction VA Medical Center has hosted this event. Needless to say, they have become very experienced and organized, making the event a phenomenal experience for all. The expertise, care and efficiency demonstrated by the Denver Elks lodge, the Grand Junction VA medical Center, and the hundreds of wonderful volunteers is simply amazing.

Our San Diego Beachcomber team started out as slightly more than casual acquaintances and by the end of the week we felt like we were with our best friends. It must have something to do with the positive atmosphere and the things that we overcome while being encouraged to participate in an action sport at real speed. As they say, the mountain doesn’t build character, it reveals it.

I would like to say thanks to the SCI Recreation Therapy Department and Cal–Diego PVA for helping to fund our trip. Also a special thanks to Lani Dagley, our awesome coach, and Carrie and Lynda the fabulous attendants. Without all of your wonderful help we may never know how much fun this could be.

If you would like more information on the Winter Ski Clinic there is a great web site with pictures of many activities at www1.va.gov

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