VA Rocky Mountain Network

National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic Director Nick Beelner, (left) VA Rocky Mountain Network (VISN 19) Director Ralph Gigliotti and DAV National Volunteer Services Director John Kleindienst (right) welcome Veterans to the 36th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado.

For the first time in three years, the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, co-hosted by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), will be once again held in Snowmass, Colorado. The event is a world-leader in adaptive winter sports instruction and is celebrating its 36th year helping Veterans create their own “Miracles on the Mountainside.”

Behind the scenes, staff and volunteers spent the weekend getting ready for the Veterans’ first day on the slopes. At the Seating, Prosthetic Limbs and Boot Fit Clinic Veterans dropped by to have their adaptive equipment analyzed by professionals and clinicians to help the Veteran not only be safe, but comfortable, while participating in activities. A different session introduced volunteers and staff to the newest adaptive sports equipment and offered suggestions on use. Led by Jeff Inouye, 25-year WSC volunteer, who is the ski program director for Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, in Breckenridge, Colorado, participants learned the benefits and limitations of the different types of adaptive ski equipment.

“I just want to pass on knowledge,” Inouye said, after answering questions regarding body positioning, appropriate equipment for different levels of injury and types of seating.  “I like to address safety and risk concerns, especially for those newer instructors who haven’t had the time or experience to be able to make recommendations.”

Beginning today, 141 disabled Veterans with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations and visual impairments will spend the week challenging and overcoming perceived limitations through adaptive skiing, sled hockey, snowmobiling, fly fishing and curling.

These Veterans were welcomed to the mountain on Sunday by DAV National Commander Andy Marshall and Ralph Gigliotti, director, VA Rocky Mountain Network (VISN 19), and cheered as Gigliotti challenged them to leave “a little blood on the mountain” as they conquered the snow-covered mountainside.

The event will run through Race Day on Friday, April 1. For information, go to www.wintersportsclinic.org.

Donna J. Bell is the Office of Community Care director of communications, and a four-time volunteer at Winter Sports Clinic.