National Sports Center for the Disabled Celebrates 40th Anniversary

DENVER, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- January 2010 marks the 40^th anniversary of the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD). What started as a one-time ski lesson for children from Children's Hospital in Denver, CO has grown into one of the largest therapeutic recreational agencies in the world. 

Founded in 1970, the National Sports Center for the Disabled's mission is to positively impact the lives of people with any physical or mental challenge through quality adaptive recreation programs in over 20 sports. The NSCD's impact on lives is direct, immediate and visible. Each year, thousands of children and adults with disabilities take to the ski slopes, mountain trails and golf courses to learn more about sports and themselves. With specially trained staff and its own adaptive equipment lab, the NSCD teaches a variety of winter and summer sports and activities to individuals with almost any physical, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral diagnosis.

"As the founder, it has been one heck of a ride with a few bumps along the way," said Hal O'Leary, founder of the National Sports Center for the Disabled. "I am happy to be here to celebrate our 40^th anniversary."

Based in Colorado, the NSCD has traditionally offered a variety of both winter and summer programs in their home state. In the last two years however, the NSCD has focused on creating more programs across the nation through the Sports Camp model. As of 2009, the NSCD will deliver the Sports Camp program to six major cities throughout the country. The NSCD collaborates with community and therapeutic partners, and professional sports franchises such as the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids and Colorado Mammoth. The title sponsors include Wells Fargo, Sports Authority and Winter Park Resort.

The NSCD's adaptive sports allow family members and friends to actively participate in a sport together. Children and adults with disabilities grow socially by interacting with people in an environment where differences are accepted and welcome. The NSCD has a team of more than 800 hands-on volunteers who dedicate countless hours to helping people with disabilities achieve their personal best.

The NSCD's 40^th Anniversary celebration is Friday, January 22^nd at the Winter Park Resort Base, Plaza. The festivities include a ski parade at 11 a.m., a BBQ lunch and cake at noon and a Dual Shalom Fun Race at 1 p.m. Please visit the NSCD website (www.nscd.org) for more information or call 888-221-4605 for NSCD 40^th Anniversary lodging and lift ticket deals.

SOURCE National Sports Center for the Disabled