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Cindy Lyons, who uses a wheelchair to get around, schussed down the slopes in a sit-sled. Photo Courtesy U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs |
National Disabled Vets Winter Sports Clinic
While training for combat during Operation Enduring Freedom at Fort Carson in Colorado, Cindy Lyons was diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disorder. Lyons was left immobilized and in a wheelchair with virtually no indication that she would ever walk again — let alone ski. So when the organizers of the annual Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic explained to her that she could ski down the slopes in a bucket, Lyons had no idea what that meant. How could that be safe?
Every year, nearly 400 vets who might have never dreamed they would ski, schuss down the slopes with the wind in their faces at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo. The clinic challenges and inspires disabled veterans to take their rehabilitation to a higher level through positive physical, mental and social challenges — all in a postcard mountain setting.
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Photo by Sue Melus More than 200 ski instructors, volunteer physical therapists and orthopedists, specifically trained in adaptive skiing techniques, rally to get the vets out on the snow.
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Participation is open to U.S. military service veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, neurological problems and other serious disabilities. In 2009, participants included veterans from all eras, including World War II. Nearly a quarter of them were recently injured in combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.
More than 200 ski instructors, volunteer physical therapists and orthopedists, specifically trained in adaptive skiing techniques, rally to get the vets out on the snow. Many participants are fitted in an adaptive mono- or bi-ski sit-sled, or bucket. One instructor scouts ahead of the skier, while another helps control the bucket from behind. The object is to keep it safe and fun.
“The goal of the Winter Sports Clinic is to go beyond our normal, daily lives and push ourselves out of our comfort zones,” said Lyons. “During the 2008 clinic I felt stronger and I could get up out of my chair faster. I attempted my first steps in my hotel room while at the clinic and by July I was out of my wheelchair. I probably would have gotten there eventually, but the clinic made me realize sooner that I could do more.”
No need to go wild and fast.
“You can just enjoy the snow and go at your own comfort level,” Lyons said. “You’re in a controlled situation and your guide will give you directions and get you through it. You don’t feel like the odd person out there. You feel normal. We are all there to have fun.”
Christopher Semple, a 55-year-old combat-wounded veteran of the Gulf War compared his experience skiing to his recovery process.
“Each time I snowboard, I get better and better,” he said. “Things will get better. That is what I tell other newly-injured veterans.”
The clinic is not limited to the skiing. Participants are encouraged to try other adaptive activities. You can:
- fly-fish the Roaring Fork River,
- scuba dive in a heated pool,
- play sled hockey and curling on ice,
- snowshoe forested trails,
- rock climb on a climbing wall,
- receive introductory biathlon training, which is a combination of cross-country skiing with rifle shooting,
- ride the gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain,
- soak in the world’s largest outdoor mineral pool,
- and participate in educational and instructional workshops like self-defense, creative writing, music therapy and stress management.
“I love the Winter Sports Clinic because it has opened doors to many friendships,” said John Devine, a Marine Corps veteran from Massapequa, N.Y., who lost his leg in combat in Vietnam. Devine, who has participated in the clinic each year since 1998, loves skiing, but also looks forward to the annual trap and skeet shoot and wild game barbecue at the shooting range each year. “I keep in touch all year with the people I’ve met at this event. The clinic refreshes and renews my spirit.”
T Lazy 7 Ranch owner Rick Deane hosts the snowmobiling event each year.
“We do whatever it takes to get them on the sleds,” explained Deane. “Those who can operate a snowmobile on their own are encouraged to do so. Others can ride with a guide. For some vets this is the first time to drive or operate a piece of machinery since their injury. It’s a huge sense of empowerment and freedom.”
The week concludes with a ski race and awards ceremony. Participants are awarded not only for speed on the slopes, but mostly for their perseverance, enthusiasm and courage.
Enrique Lopez, 39, a combat veteran of the Gulf War perhaps said it best.
“The Winter Sports Clinic is great because it is all about having fun and getting together with friends. I encourage all disabled veterans to attend. It’s a blast.”
The idea for the Winter Sports Clinic originated in the early ‘80s when founder and director Sandy Trombetta brought some VA patients to a nearby mountain resort to participate in disabled ski programs. As a recreation therapist at the VA Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colo., Sandy recognized the physical and mental healing that skiing and other winter sports can provide. In 1987 the clinic was born with roughly 20 staff members and 90 eager veterans.
In 1991, the Disabled American Veterans became a co-sponsor of the event along with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additional funding comes from individual donors and corporate sponsors, including Wheelin’ Sportsmen. The cooperative funding has allowed the clinic to grow and become the jewel in the crown of disabled sports. — Sue Melus