Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic Transforms the Lives of 400 of America's Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members

SNOWMASS, Colo., April 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 400 ill and injured veterans and active-duty service men and women from across the nation are in Snowmass, Colorado this week for the 28^th Annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (NDVWSC). Co-hosted by DAV (Disabled American Veterans), the leading veteran service organization supporting wounded, ill and injured veterans of all eras, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the clinic promotes rehabilitation through adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and offers an introduction to other adaptive activities and sports. This year's event kicked off on Saturday with opening ceremonies, and will run through Friday, April 4.

NDVWSC is recognized as the world leader in adaptive winter sports instruction. Participants are exposed to the very latest in adaptive equipment, which is often retrofitted on the spot to fit each individual's unique needs. Nearly 200 specially trained, certified ski instructors, other rehabilitative specialists and dedicated volunteers assist participants. The clinic offers a range of programs, seminars and activities, including adaptive skiing in sit-skis, mono-skis and bi-skis, scuba diving, rock climbing, wheelchair self-defense, sled hockey and snowmobiling.

Clinic attendees include men and women service members and veterans with profound disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological problems and other injuries. Veterans with inpatient or outpatient status at a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility receive first priority for participating in the clinic. The event has been a starting point for many Paralympic athletes.

To date nearly 8,000 ill and injured American veterans have participated in the Winter Sports Clinic. In addition to facilitation by DAV and VA, sponsors such as Ford Motor Company, Cisco, Prudential, UnitedHealthcare Military and Veterans, Veterans Canteen Service, Military.com, DAV Department of Missouri and DAV Missouri Chapter 2 give support and time, including volunteer activities alongside participants.

For more information, please visit www.wintersportsclinic.org, www.wintersportsclinic.va.gov or view our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMSugv7qZJs.

About DAV 
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America's injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a non-profit organization with 1.2 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U. S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at http://www.dav.org.

About VA 
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events is the recognized world leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies for disabled Veterans. VA promotes the rehabilitation of body and spirit by operating adaptive sports clinics and competitions around the nation. Learn more about VA's adaptive sports programs and partnerships at www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

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SOURCE DAV