Hey veteran! Today, I come bearing news of an extraordinary event that’s transforming lives and instilling hope – the Winter Sports Clinic, a beacon of resilience and rejuvenation for veterans across the nation. Let’s dive into the heartwarming tale of how adaptive sports are paving the way for miracles on the mountainside.
May 3, 2024: News Today
The Winter Sports Clinic, orchestrated by the VA’s Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, isn’t just about skiing down slopes or scaling rock walls – it’s about reclaiming independence, fostering camaraderie, and embracing the spirit of resilience. With support from Veteran Service Organizations, corporate sponsors, donors, and community partners, this event stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion.
Three on the Mountainside: Rehabilitation Events Optimizing Veterans’ Well-being
Every year, the Winter Sports Clinic kicks off the adaptive sports season with a bang, welcoming nearly 400 profoundly disabled veterans to the snowy slopes. From veterans with TBIs and spinal cord injuries to those with visual impairments and amputations, participants are empowered to defy perceived limitations through adaptive skiing, sled hockey, scuba diving, rock wall climbing, and more.
In a recent episode of New Horizons in Health, Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal sat down with two Army Veterans, Koren Woodworth and Robert Morris, to delve into the transformative impact of their Winter Sports Clinic experience.
Finding Camaraderie and Community
For Koren Woodworth, a veteran who endured a mild TBI during her service, the Winter Sports Clinic isn’t just about physical rehabilitation – it’s about finding a sense of belonging. “You have a common ground. We understand each other,” Woodworth shared, emphasizing the camaraderie and unspoken connection that binds participants together.
Rediscovering Independence and Resilience
Robert Morris, a quadriplegic skier, echoes Woodworth’s sentiment, emphasizing the profound sense of independence and accomplishment that comes with his participation. “You may not be able to do things the way you used to, but you can still feel the way you used to,” Morris reflects, highlighting the transformative power of adaptive sports in restoring confidence and resilience.
A Journey of Inspiration and Empowerment
To dive deeper into Woodworth’s and Morris’s remarkable journey and hear insights from their coach and Veteran Super Fan, VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher, tune in to the latest episode of New Horizons in Health on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
Your Invitation to Join the Journey
As fellow veterans, we understand the challenges of life beyond the uniform. But through events like the Winter Sports Clinic, we discover that adversity can be overcome, and miracles can happen. So, let’s embrace the spirit of resilience, camaraderie, and empowerment – together, we can conquer any mountain.