Vicki L MorrisonThe Fifth Annual Winter Sports Clinic for Injured Soldiers and Veterans is looking for participants. The clinic is taking place at Calabogie Peaks Resort in Eastern Ontario, February 8-13, 2015.
The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing provides opportunities for injured soldiers to participate in learn to ski and other winter activities at various clinics throughout Canada. CADS instructors are highly trained adaptive ski and snowboard enthusiasts who have international experience and recognition.
“We’re very happy to be organizing and running another adaptive winter sports clinic. We bring injured soldiers and their spouses together to safely learn to ski, and have some fun with their peers,” said Dan Flemming, director of ski operations, Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers-National Capital Region.
Since 2008 CADS clinics have provided winter sport instruction to approximately 170 Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans, as well as American and Australian military veterans.
“Our intent is to inspire our wounded service members and veterans to overcome obstacles in their lives, both physical and psychological. The clinics are about learning to ski, experiencing sledge hockey, even riding up the hill on the snow grooming machine with peers. We want everyone to have fun,” said Flemming. “We tell participants if they can conquer a mountain, they can do anything they set their mind to.”
Organizers can accept up to 20 Canadian and 15 American soldiers or veterans in the February clinic. There are still spaces available, and they would like to fill them.
The Calabogie clinic will be open to present and past service members. Participants, their spouses, and volunteers stay and eat free of charge at the Calabogie Peaks Resort. The US participants and their support staff will be funded by American organizations.
“We fundraise separately from other military organizations. We rely on the support of True Patriot Love, corporate sponsorship, and community donations. It costs $80,000 to run a clinic. All participants have to fund is their transportation to the resort,” explained Flemming.
Previous Clinics at Calabogie Peaks (CADS-NCD), Owls Head (CADS-Quebec) and Mount Washington (CADS- British Columbia) have proven to be very successful with strong testimonials from skiers and instructors alike.
The Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers-National Capital Division is a charitable organization supporting skiing and snowboarding for any Canadian with a disability.
The first Calabogie Clinic in 2011 accommodated six injured Canadian soldiers followed by 10 in 2012, a further seven in 2013 and 13 in 2014. The past two clinics saw the inclusion of seven injured American veterans.
To apply to participate in the 2015 Annual Winter Sports Clinic visit CADS-NCR and to learn more about Calabogie Peaks Resort visit www.calabogie.com.
Get More! Receive six issues of Canadian Military Family Magazine in your mail box for only $17.95! Click here to subscribe NOW!
