WHAT: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are hosting the 2018 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic for injured Veterans and their families. The clinic consists of downhill and cross-country ski lessons, a challenge race, adaptive sports workshops and educational classes, plus sponsored and self-directed alternate activities, such as scuba diving, sled hockey, a climbing wall and other activities. 

WHEN/WHERE: April 1 to April 6, 2018, in Snowmass Village, Colorado.

WHO: Participation is open to U.S. military Veterans with qualifying disabilities, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments and certain neurological conditions and other disabilities. Veterans with an inpatient or outpatient status with the VA and active-duty military service members are also eligible. More than 350 Veterans participated in the event in 2017.

WHY: The Winter Sports Clinic promotes sports therapy and rehabilitation through adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, rock climbing, wheelchair self-defense, sled hockey, scuba diving and other adaptive sports and activities. The hope is that Veterans will build upon this experience and continue to lead active, healthy lives through continued support and lessons learned. The clinic is made possible by hundreds of volunteers, strategic corporate partnerships, nonprofit organizations and individual donors.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Interviews, B-roll, photos and other media opportunities are available leading up to and including the week of the event.

For VA, the media contact is Jill Atwood, 801-330-1198, [email protected]. For DAV, the contact is Charity Edgar, 202-641-4822, [email protected].