A PUBLICATION OF DISABLED SPORTS USA
THE GAME OF BASKETBALL, ON WHEELS Page 6 SITTING VOLLEYBALL Page 16
VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 3
WINTER 2019
11/19 ©2019 Ottobock HealthCare, LP, All rights reserved.3S80 Sports Knee
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Scout Bassett,
Track and Field Paralympian
Quality for life
Contents
16
31
© 2019 by Disabled Sports USA, Inc. All rights reserved.
Articles may not be reprinted in part or in whole without
written permission from DSUSA.
PERSPECTIVE
Glenn Merry
Executive Director
THE GAME OF
BASKETBALL, ON
WHEELS
WARFIGHTER SPORTS:
MIKE KACER
WARFIGHTER SPORTS
CALENDAR
SITTING VOLLEYBALL:
A TEAM SPORT WITH A
SUPER FAST PACE
E-TEAM MEMBER
THOMAS WILSON’S LIFE
TAKES A 360 SPIN
CHAPTER LISTING
Find Your Local Chapter
CHAPTER EVENTS
Upcoming Adaptive Sports
Opportunities
MARKETPLACE
Product Showcase
5
6
12
14
16
18
20
22
39
18
Cover photo of Team USA
Wheelchair Basketball Player
Matt Scott.
Cover photo by
Wheelchair Sports Federation.
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
4
6
5
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
1
2020 is upon us, which means the Summer Paralympic Games will be
taking place in Tokyo, Japan, beginning in August.
For this issue, we are featuring two sports that will be a part of those
games. We hope the articles introduce you to the respective sports and
get you excited for the games when they come around. But we also want
to highlight these sports to help develop the pipeline of athletes for future
Paralympics, particularly the 2028 Games when they are hosted here in the
United States.
We know not everyone has Paralympic dreams and ambitions, which
is why we always make a distinction between participating in a sport
for recreation versus for competition. As we all know, sport has many
benefits including staying healthy and having fun. Each of our featured
sport articles walk you through how to get started in the sport from a
recreational perspective and hopefully leads you to the competitive
angle if you choose to pursue it. The strength of most Disabled Sports
USA chapters across the country is the fact that they provide access and
opportunity to participate in sport from a recreational perspective. A
number of them also offer a competitive training component and excel at
that as well.
The first sport you will read about in this month’s issue is wheelchair
basketball, one of the first organized wheelchair sports created. You can
read more about that sport on pages 6-8.
The other sport is sitting volleyball, which is growing in popularity. We
have all seen people play volleyball on the beach or at a local park and
sitting volleyball allows individuals with various disabilities to experience
the sport in the same way. Learn more about sitting volleyball on pages
16-17.
Warfighter Mike Kacer has Paralympic dreams of his own. A few months
ago, he represented the United States at the Parapan American Games in
Taekwondo after a friend suggested he give the sport a try. Check out his
story on pages 12-13.
But we can’t neglect the winter snow sports, which is why you will
find an article about DSUSA Elite Team Member Thomas Wilson, a
snowboarder from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on pages 18-19.
And finally, don’t forget to check out the array of adaptive sports
offerings available to you from all over the country through our chapter
network. Those program listings and events start on page 22.
So whether you participate in sport for recreation or competition,
we hope you will find this issue full of information, resources, and
opportunities to get out there and get active.
Regards,
CHALLENGE Magazine (ISSN 1940-526X) is published three times a year by
Disabled Sports USA, Inc., 451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 608, Rockville, MD 20850
Subscriptions are available free of charge. Visit challengemagazine.org to sign up.
Editorial Director: Shuan Butcher, sbutcher@dsusa.org
Advertising inquiries: Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Patty Johnson,
800-969-0200 ext 103 patty@rspr.com
Disabled Sports USA Board: John Blossom (President), Will Reynolds (Vice President),
Keri Serota (Secretary), Alexander Garner, Marya Propis, Nicole Roundy, Ed Bronsdon, Lori High, Eric Kuwana
PERSPECTIVE
Glenn Merry
Executive Director, Disabled Sports USA
gmerry@dsusa.org
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
6
The
Game of
Basketball,
on Wheels
Anyone with a permanent lower extremity disability that precludes
them from playing stand-up basketball is eligible to play
wheelchair basketball, whether or not you use a chair for everyday
mobility. In addition to spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, lower extremity
amputation, leg length discrepancy, and permanent joint disorders are
just a few of the disabilities that would qualify a person to play wheelchair
basketball.
Paralympic Gold Medalist Matt Scott, who has played in four Paralympic
Games and plays wheelchair basketball professionally in Europe, was quite
unaware of the sport growing up despite being born with spina bifida.
“I played basketball on the playground with my friends,” Scott said. He
discovered the sport of wheelchair basketball through his doctor’s office,
which gave him a flier about a practice that was taking place. “Until I saw
it, I thought of it as less-abled … I had a negative perception. Then I saw the
toughness it took to play. After the first practice, I came back every week
after that.”
The Many Benefits of Basketball
It is a physical sport, which is what attracts many of the players to it. But
there are many other benefits to playing wheelchair basketball. Joines said
he sees his role as more than just teaching kids basketball. “It is also about
being independent. It is also about being around other kids that are going
through the same things they are.”
For Scott, he also learned discipline, time management, and proper
nutrition that is required of an elite athlete. He also likes the fact that it is
a team sport. “I like the camaraderie. “You are working together towards a
common goal,” he said.
Two-time Paralympian and Gold Medalist Rose Hollermann, a member
of the U.S. Women’s National Team, agrees. “I think it's a combination
of having to work with a team to be successful, along with the skill and
athleticism that are necessary for you to succeed.”
The Ins and Outs of the Sport
When you first come out to a wheelchair basketball program, there
We have all seen a basketball game,
either in person or on television.
Whether it is the NBA or WNBA finals
or March Madness, the excitement for
the sport seems to swell even for the
casual fan at certain times of the year.
But have you ever given the sport a try
yourself? Wheelchair basketball has the
same level of excitement, if not more
so. “It is like able-bodied basketball,
except that the athletes use a
wheelchair,” said Jason Joines, a coach
with BlazeSports America, a chapter of
Disabled Sports USA based in Georgia.
Continued on page 8 >>
Photo courtesy of Wheelchair Sports Federation
7
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
“I THINK IT'S A
COMBINATION OF
HAVING TO WORK
WITH A TEAM TO
BE SUCCESSFUL,
ALONG WITH
THE SKILL AND
ATHLETICISM THAT
ARE NECESSARY
FOR YOU TO
SUCCEED.”
Photo courtesy of Lakeshore Foundation
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
8
is very little you need according to Lauren Perry, the Rec and
Athletics Coordinator at Lakeshore Foundation, a chapter of
Disabled Sports USA. Perry also coaches the prep team at the
Birmingham, Alabama, location. “All you need is to bring some
water and wear athletic gear,” she said.
During practice, you will be fit into one of the program’s sports
chairs. The program chairs are adjustable and there are a number
of variations and adjustments to make sure it fits just right,
according to Forrest Lodge, a program manager with Sportable,
a Richmond, Virginia- based chapter of Disabled Sports USA.
“You want your chair to fit like a shoe,” he said. If you’ve been in
a wheelchair, then you will be used to pushing yourself around.
Otherwise, that may take some practice.
Regarding the rules of the game, Lodge says there is not a
lot of rule variations. For the most part, the sport follows the
NCAA rule book. The court size is the same. Depending on the
division, the basketball may be a smaller size, the hoop height
may be lower, or the foul line closer (in the youth prep division,
for example). Also, there is no double dribble in wheelchair
basketball. But traveling can be called as a foul. When a player
has the ball, he or she may not push their chair more than twice in
succession without dribbling, passing, or shooting.
It may take some time to learn the rules of the game or develop
your skill sets. Like with anything, practice makes perfect. “Don’t
be discouraged at how fast you think the game is or how good
everyone else is,” Joines said. “Be patient with yourself.”
There are a number of divisions for competition, depending on
either age or skill level. Youth can play in either prep or varsity
in the Junior Division. For adult men, there are Divisions I, II,
and III. In general, Lodge suggests that D3 is the entry level
competition team and D1 is the top level, where Paralympians,
college players, and other elite athletes play. There is also a
Women’s Division and Intercollegiate divisions as well.
For the Junior Division, it provides an outlet for young athletes
to develop their skills. “It allows youth to travel and play just
like their peers,” he said. You can also get kids as young as three
or four pushing around on the court, but they officially start
in the prep division at age six until about 14 years of age. On
the flipside, you can compete in wheelchair basketball all the
way into your sixties. Regardless of your age or disability, it is
recommended that you play recreationally first and then move to
the competitive level. Once you reach the Junior Varsity Division
or adult competitive categories, individual athletes are classified
based on their disability. “This ensures athletes play on an even
playing field,” Perry said.
Equipment and Adaptations
Sports chairs are highly recommended for those who want to
play wheelchair basketball. Rob Welty, a Recreation and Athletic
Specialist at Lakeshore who also serves as a team coach, points
out that the wheels on these chairs have camber, or a slanted
angle. “This helps with stability and allows the individual to turn
the chair quicker.” Most chairs also have back casters, or smaller
wheels, that prevents the chair from flipping over easily.
Chairs can be equipped with straps or bars in front so athletes
don’t flop over. The straps also help with trunk control for
individuals who may have a spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy,
spina bifida, or a related disability. The lower back part of the
chair gives the player a false trunk. “Amputees can often control
their trunk more,” said Perry. New devises are also coming online
for individuals who can only use one side of their body and helps
push the athlete in a straight line or avoid going in circles.
You can use a program chair until you get serious about the
sport. “Having your own chair doesn’t really become important
until you get to the varsity level,” Joines said. “When you decide
this is something you love and want to continue to do, that is
when you look into getting your own sports chair.” At that time,
the chairs are built to the individual’s specifications and there are
a variety of manufacturers available to choose from.
Join a Team
So, other than the wheelchair being your source of mobility, you
have the opportunity to play a sport you love and be competitive in
wheelchair basketball. “What is nice is when you get on the court
and look back at the sidelines and all the assistive devices (chairs,
prosthetics, crutches, etc.) are left behind,” Lodge said.
Over 40 chapters of Disabled Sports USA offers either a
recreational or competitive (or both) wheelchair basketball
program. You can check out those locations at https://www.
disabledsportsusa.org/chapters/location-map/. Additional
programs can be found through the National Wheelchair Basketball
Association at https://www.nwba.org/findateam. Regardless, Scott
suggests “Give it a try … jump in a chair … come to a game. The
feeling I get when I’m on the court is indescribable.”
Awaits
ADVENTURE
SIGN UP OR JOIN THE TEAM:
435.649.3991
www.discovernac.org
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CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
10
SPONSORS
Diamond
Platinum
Disabled Sports USA Thanks its Corporate
and Community Sponsors for Their Support!
ARIEL CORPORATION
WORLD STANDARD COMPRESSORS
GRANT RECIPIENT
11
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
SPONSORS
Gold
Silver
AECOM
AES Global Insurance
Alston & Bird LLP
Anthem Life
Arthur J Gallagher
Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center
Birdies for the Brave
Breckenridge Ski and Sports
Capital Bank
CIGNA
Cooley LLP
DADA Holdings
DAV Charitable Service Trust
Franklin Templeton Investments
Goodwin Procter
Greenberg Traurig
Holland & Knight
J.F. Lehman & Company, Inc.
Jackson Lewis
John's Day Bridge Society
Lewis Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith, LLP
Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics
Munich Re
O’Melveny & Meyers LLP
PG Genatt Group
Robert Trent Jones Golf Club Foundation
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Swiss Re America Holding Corporation
U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress
Wilson Elser
Wilson Sonsoni
May & Stanley Smith
Charitable Trust
Dumbarton
Strategies
Jack Kagan
Foundation
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
12
WARFIGHTER SPORTS
WARFIGHTER MIKE KACER PURSUING PARALYMPIC DREAMS
Staff Sergeant Mike Kacer (Retired) joined the Pennsylvania
Army National Guard in 1990 as a junior in high school and
went on a number of deployments, including Bosnia (2002-03),
Iraq (2004-05), and Afghanistan (2008). On June 18, 2008, Kacer
would suffer from an ear to ear fracture, a broken jaw (in three
places) a collapsed lung, and his left arm being amputated. “A
rocket landed ten feet to the left of me,” he said. He would be
placed in a drug-induced coma. “The last thing I remember from
that moment is being taken to a helicopter. The rest of it is a
collection of what others tell me had happened.”
The retired infantry soldier focused on his rehabilitation from
June 21, 2008, until he was discharged on May 27, 2010. While
in rehab, he started participating in adaptive sports. “Sports is a
big stress reliever and an escape from the realities of life.” The
first activity he participated in through Disabled Sports USA’s
Warfighter Sports program was the annual Bataan Memorial
Death March, a challenging 26-mile march through the high
desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range in 2009. The
memorial march is conducted in honor of the heroic service
members who defended the Philippine Islands during World
War II, sacrificing their freedom, health, and, in many cases,
their very lives.
Later that year, he would also attend a surf camp. “Surfing is
my favorite hobby,” he said. “You also develop these support
systems at events like surf camp. The people you meet become
more than friends, they become family.”
“Programs like DSUSA help get you outside your comfort zone
and build confidence to compete at the Paralympic level.” From
2012 to 2016, Kacer devoted his full-hearted passion to track
and field, particularly competing in the 100m, 200m, and long
jump with his eye on going to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.
During that timeframe, he competed at the Great Lakes Regional
Games, Endeavor Games, and Desert Challenge Games, all
events that are hosted by DSUSA chapters. “Getting to the
Paralympic level is tough, particularly breaking that barrier
without having a steady coach. The challenge of being a full-
time athlete is very difficult physically and mentally.”
“After Rio, I realized I couldn’t compete with the younger
athletes,” he said. “I had an off season and started falling into
a depression.” Then, in June 2017, a friend suggested he give
Taekwondo a try and he did. “Sports has saved my life on more
than one occasion.” Living in Cary, North Carolina, he started
training at White Tiger. That snowballed into competing at
national tournaments and then internationally. He would finish
third at a tournament in Costa Rica and sits around fifth on
average, but through the points structure is ranked 11th in
the world. Right now, he is working to improve his technique,
particularly not squaring up and improving his angles. He also
wants to be snappy or fast as opposed to hard and powerful.
Last fall, Kacer joined more than 550 wounded, ill, and injured
13
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
WARFIGHTER SPORTS
service men and women from 18 allied nations who competed at Invictus Games
in Sydney, Australia. This was his third, and final, Invictus Games (he also
participated at the games in Orlando and London). “This is my farewell tour,”
he said before heading over. “I am not sure I can continue to physically compete
and I don’t want to get to a point where I am competing but not be competitive.”
At the Invictus Games, Kacer competed in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 1500m
as well as shotput, discus, long jump, the one minute and four-minute rowing
trials, and all swimming events. “Training for both is grueling as you work two
different series of muscles. I grind it out on my own and push my body to a point
of exhaustion every time I train. I condition my body that way.” He earned a total
of six medals, including one gold.
Kacer also takes pride at being versatile, which is evident by the number and
variety of competitions he entered. “I am not great in any one sport, but good in
a number of sports. I don’t have a specialty event.” He also had the opportunity
to compete in the Parapan American Games, held a few months ago, in Lima,
Peru. His hope is to break into a wild card spot for the 2020 Summer Paralympic
Games in Tokyo, Japan
Between adaptive sports and getting a degree from North Carolina Central
University in physical education and health, he is setting a path forward. He
gives a lot of credit to his support system of family members, friends, and
doctors. “Dealing with mental health is not a sign of weakness. It takes a
stronger human being to seek assistance than to ignore it.”
The battle isn’t over.
AIG is proud to partner with Disabled Sports USA
to raise awareness and funds for wounded veterans
in their Warfighter Sports Program.
© 2015 American International Group, Inc.
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
14
WARFIGHTER SPORTS
The programs listed here are provided free of charge for veterans and active duty service members with a permanent physical disability as a part
of Disabled Sports USA’s Warfighter Sports program.
Didn’t find a program near you on the Warfighter Sports calendar? Disabled Sports USA’s chapter network has many other program opportunities
free of charge for military this winter. Flip to page 20-21 to find your nearest chapter and see what programs are available in your area.
WARFIGHTER SPORTS 2019-2020 WINTER CALENDAR
ARIZONA
Ongoing: September – December
Arizona Disabled Sports
Adaptive Cycling Program
Cycling
Mesa, AZ
www.arizonadisabledsports.com
Ongoing: February – March
Arizona Disabled Sports
Adaptive Air Rifle Program
Air Rifle
Mesa, AZ
www.arizonadisabledsports.com
CALIFORNIA
Ongoing: October – September
2020
Bay Area Outreach & Recreation
Program
Year Round Series of Yoga, Dance,
Tai Chi and Fitness Classes
Yoga, Dance, Tai Chi and Fitness
Berkley, CA
www.borp.com
Ongoing: October – September
2020
Bay Area Outreach & Recreation
Program
Adaptive Cycling Program
Cycling
Berkeley, CA
www.borp.com
Ongoing: December- March
United States Adaptive
Recreation Center
Adaptive Sports Winter
Program
Big Bear Lake, CA
www.usarc.org
Ongoing: December 2019 –
August 2020
Achieve Tahoe
Achieve Tahoe Military Sports
Skiing, snowboarding, water
skiing, wakeboarding, stand up
paddleboarding
Truckee, CA
www.achievetahoe.org

Ongoing: November 2019 – July
2020
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
Warfighter Sports High Altitude
Training
Alpine skiing, snowboarding,
Nordic skiing, Biathlon, Road
Biking, Mountain Biking, Rock
Climbing, Fishing, Kayaking,
Stand Up Paddle Boarding, hiking
Mammoth Lakes, CA
www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org

Ongoing: February – August 2020
Angel City Sports
Operation Take Flight
Archery, Air Guns, Golf, Rowing,
Kayaking, Wheelchair Tennis
Los Angeles, CA
www.angelcitysports.org
COLORADO
December 9- 15th
Disabled Sports USA
The Harford Ski Spectacular
Breckenridge, CO
www.warfightersports.org
Ongoing: December – September
2020
Adaptive Sports Assoication
Winter Ski/Snowboard &
Summer Outdoor Program
Durango, CO
www.asaduramgo.com
January – March
Ignite Adaptive Sports
Adaptive Snowsports for
Veterans Program
Boulder, CO
www.igniteadaptivesports.org
Ongoing: November 2019 –
August 2020
National Sports Center for the
Disabled (NSCD)
Therapeutic and Adaptive
Sports/Recreation for Veterans
Living with Disabilities
Paddle sports, rock climbing,
archery, team sports
Denver, CO
www.nscd.org

Ongoing: December 2019 – April
2020
Telluride Adaptive Sports
Program
Summits – Telluride Winter &
Summer Military Programs
Skiing, snowboarding, climbing,
cycling, flatwater kayaking,
canoeing
Telluride, CO
www.tellurideadaptivesports.org
FLORIDA
November 2019 – July 2020
Florida Disabled Outdoors
Association
ALLOUT Fishing & Boating
Boating and Fishing
Various locations in FL
www.fdoa.org
GEORGIA
September 2019-September 2020
BlazeSports America
Adaptive Golf Program
Golfing
Norcross, GA
www.blazesports.org
Spetember 2019 – September
2020
BlazeSports America
Weekly Swimming Program
Swimming
Norcross, GA
www.blazesports.org
IDAHO
Feburary 21 – 22
Adaptive Wilderness Sports of
McCall (AWeSOMe!)
Warfighter’s Ski Weekend
Program
Skiing
www.awesomemcall.org/home/home
ILLINOIS
September 2019 – September
2020
Dare2tri
Dare2tri Elite/Development
Triathlon Team
www.dare2tri.org
MARYLAND
Ongoing
WRNMMC
Weekly Swimming Lessons at
WRNMMC
Bethesda, MD
www.warfightersports.org
MAINE
January 23-27
Maine Adaptive Sports &
Recreation (Winter)
Veterans No Boundaries
Adaptive Sports Camp (Winter)
Newry, ME
www.maineadaptve.org
MINNESOTA
November – March 2020
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation
Institution
Wheelchair Curling Program
Wheelchair Curling
Golden Valley, MN
www.allinahealth.org/adaptivesports
January-March
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation
Institution
Adaptive Ski and Snowboard
Program
Ski and Snowboard
Golden Valley, MN
www.allinahealth.org/adaptivesports
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Ongoing: December - April
New England Disabled Sports
Winter Sports Clinics
Lincoln, NH
www.nedisabledspots.org
Ongoing: December – March
Granite State Adaptive
Adaptive Ski and Snowboard
Program
Ski and Snowboard
Mirror Lake, NH
January 1 – 31
New England Healing Sports
Association
New England Winter Sports
Clinic for Disabled Veterans
Newbury, NH
www.nesha.org
January-August 2020
Full Circle Farm Therapeutic
Horsemanship
Veteran Therapeutic
Horsemanship Lessons
Mounted and unmounted horse
lessons
Newport, NH
www.fcftherapeutic.org
Febaruay 24-26
Lakes Region Disabled Sports at
Gunstock Inc.
Adaptive Ski and Snowboard
Program
Ski and Snowboard
Gillford, NH
www.gunstickadaptive.org
March 1 – 28
Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports
Adaptive Ski and Snowboard
Program
Ski and Snowboard
Waterville Valley, NH
www.watervilleadaptive.com
NEW YORK
September-March 2020
GallopNYC
Horse Based Equestrian
Program
Equestrian
Forest Hills, NY
www.gallopnyc.org
February 7 – March 1
STRIDE Adaptive Sports
Adaptive Ski and Snowboard
Program
West Sand Lake, NY
www.stride.org
February-June 2020
Adaptive Sports Foundation
Warriors in Motion
Kayaking, horseback riding,
hiking, skiing, snowboarding
Windham, NY
www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org
OHIO
January 1 – Feb. 28
Adaptive Sports Connection
Adaptive Military Snowsports
Powel, OH
www.adaptivesportsconnection.org
OKLAHOMA
Ongoing: September 2019- Sep.
2020
University of Central Oklahoma
Year Round Adaptive Multi
Sports Program
Edmond, OK
www.uco.edu/wellness
OREGON
January 24-26
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Ski and Snowboard Camp
Ski and Snowboard
Bend, OR
www.oregonadaptivesports.org
March 8th
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Winter Sports Clinics
Bend, OR
www.oregonadaptivesports.org
TENNESSEE
January 21-25
Sports, Arts, and Recreation of
Chattanooga (SPARC)
Adaptive Snow Skiing and
Snowboarding
Skiing and Snowboarding
Chattanooga, TN
www.sparctn.org
TEXAS
Weekly Golf Lessons
Golfing
San Antonio, TX
www.warfightersports.org
Scuba Certification Classes
Scuba diving
San Antonio, TX
www.warfightersports.org
November 2019 – August 2020
Operation Comfort
Operation Comfort Cycling, Sled
Hockey & Swim Programs
Cycling, Swim, Sled Hockey
San Antonio, TX
www.operationcomfort.org
UTAH
February 1 – 28
Common Ground Outdoor
Adventures
Winter Sports Camp
Logan, UT
www.cgadventures.org
VIRGINIA
December 1 – March 30
Therapeutic Adventures Inc.
Adaptive Ski and Snowboard
Program
Ski and Snowboard
Charlottesville, VA
www.TAonline.org
Adaptive Alpine Ski and
Snowboard Program
Charlottesville, VA
www.wintergreenadaptivesports.org
Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.
Charlottesville, VA
www.TAonline.org
WEST VIRGINIA
March 5 -8
Challenged Athletes of America
Adaptive Ski and Snowboard
Program
Snowshoe, WV
www.cawvsports.org
WYOMING
February – March 2020
Teton Adaptive Sports
Veteran Ski and Snowboard
Camps
Skiing, snowboarding
Teton Village, WY
www.tetonadaptivesports.org
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
April-July 2020
Capital Region Nordic Alliance
CRNA On the Move
Adaptive Trail Orienteering
Albany, NY – Windham, NY -
Philadelphia, PA – Boston, MA
www.capitalregionnordicalliance.org
This program was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated
herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
© 2019 Fillauer LLC
www.fillauer.com/pfw
Powered
Flexion Wrist
The Powered Flexion Wrist™ (PFW)
combines proportional control and
adjustability that allows hands-free
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CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
16
THE GAME OF BASKETBALL, ON WHEELS
THE BASICS
You are on the floor. Your opponent
hits the ball over the net right at you.
You have little time to react, but must
return it back over the net and land it
in the opposing team’s half of the court
to score a point. This is the objective
for the sport of sitting volleyball.
Sitting volleyball is pretty much the
same as standing volleyball, with some
minor adaptations. In particular, it is a
great game for individuals with lower
limb loss or limitations. Recreationally
though, it is a fantastic inclusive game,
as able-bodied athletes are playing the
sport as well.
If you’ve never watched a game
of sitting volleyball, it may appear
different. “When I first saw it, I thought
it was actually silly,” said Warfighter
Dan Regan, a member of the U.S.
National Men’s Sitting Volleyball
Team. “But once I watched it at the
competitive level, it changed my
perception. I’m glad I sat down and
tried it.”
For Regan, he loves the speed of
the game. “It is a small court (six
meters x ten meters), so you don’t have
much time to respond,” he said. “Your
competitive nature kicks in … you get
one or two swings in and adrenaline
kicks in. I lost my leg, but I didn’t lose
my competitive drive.”
Another element that players enjoy
about the sport is the camaraderie.
It is, indeed, a team sport. “I love my
teammates,” said Nichole Millage, a
member of the U.S. National Women’s
Sitting Volleyball Team who is hoping
to play in her fourth Paralympic Games
in 2020. “We are all different but come
together. It’s like having another
family in my life.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Unlike a number of adaptive sports
that have a high cost of entry due
to the adaptive equipment that is
needed to participate, sitting volleyball
requires very little.
Greg Walker, the head coach for
USA Men’s Sitting Volleyball Team
since 2016, suggests you can get into
the sport with some basic clothing
items and pads. “Tighter clothes help
with sliding around (the floor) better.
Knee pads and baseball sliders will
also provide additional padding and
help to prevent floor burn. “You are
sliding around the floor on your rear
end. If you turn your legs to the side, it
will also help you avoid floor burn.”
In terms of the game itself, Walker
says other than the court being
smaller, the net being lower, and the
athletes sitting on the floor, everything
else is the same as standing volleyball.
Matches are played over a best of five
sets format with each set won by the
first team to reach 25 points (with at
least a two-point lead). A match is won
by the team that wins three sets. If a
decisive fifth match is necessary, the
first team to reach 15 points with a two-
point lead wins.
Teams have up to three contacts
with the ball before it must go over the
SITTING VOLLEYBALL:
A TEAM SPORT WITH A SUPER FAST PACE
Photo courtesy of USA Volleyball/Bill Kauffman
17
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
net. A team scores a point by successfully
grounding the ball on the opponents’
playing court; when the opponent team
commits a fault; or when the opponent
team receives a penalty. (A team commits
a fault by making a play contrary to the
rules.) At the moment of contacting the
ball, a player’s bottom must be in contact
with the floor.
If it is your first time out on the court,
Walker suggests you learn how to move
around the floor. “It is an easy transition
for people who have seen the game
before,” he said. “Players should try to
use their legs. Often they want to use
their arms first.” He also encourages
athletes to chamber their legs to one side.
New players should also focus on ball
handling.
Because it is a short court, it makes
the game superfast. “I like that it is quick
paced,” Millage said. “You have to think
two or three steps ahead.” Therefore, the
game also involves a bit of strategy, and
teams can work on controlling the speed
or pace of the game. “You have to see
something happen before it happens,”
she said.
Like with any sport, practice makes
perfect. It takes time to get the hang of
things. “When I started, I was horrible,”
Millage said. At first, she found it to
be really hard, thinking “I don’t know
if I can do this, maybe it is not for me.”
That obviously changed. Now, “sitting
volleyball is where it is at for me. It is
tough to sit on the sidelines and watch
everyone else play.”
ADAPTATIONS
If you have a prosthetic leg, it is
recommended to not wear it when
playing sitting volleyball. It could limit
one’s speed and movement abilities
during play. Additionally, if an athlete or
teammate falls on it, it could cause injury
to them or damage the prosthesis. Users
of a prosthetic arm can use it to pass,
serve, and block.
Regarding your body positioning on
the floor, the position of each player
is determined and controlled by the
position of their bottoms. This means
that the hand(s) and/or leg(s) may cross
the service, attack, and center lines,
provided they do not interfere with an
opposing player. A player’s “bottom” is
defined as the upper part of the body,
from the shoulder to one’s buttocks.
Players are not allowed to lift his/her
bottom from the court when executing
any type of attack-hit. Additionally, it is
forbidden to stand up, raise the body or
take steps to play a ball.
In addition to the differences
mentioned earlier regarding court size
and net height there is also a difference
regarding the serve. Unlike standing
volleyball, it is permitted to block or
attack an opponent’s serve.
TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
As the team’s skill level progresses,
teams can focus on offense and defense
systems of serving the ball, attacking,
and other strategies. Then it becomes
more about improving individual skills
and as a team. Regan suggests you can
do so by watching video of yourself
and opponents and make adjustments
accordingly.
Once you move from the recreational
to the competitive level, there are
tournaments and competitions you can
enter. A number of collegiate programs
are also available for interested athletes.
In fact, both the Men’s and Women’s
National Team is based at the University
of Central Oklahoma, a chapter of
Disabled Sports USA located in Edmond.
Athletes interested in competing at
that elite level have the opportunity to
pursue full-time resident housing and the
training center at UCO. In addition, they
can also attend the college as well. “Not a
day goes by that I don’t enjoy what I do,”
Regan said. “I get to play volleyball.”
WHERE TO PLAY
Regan encourages anyone to give
sitting volleyball a try. “I would
encourage people to get out and try
things. For me, it was volleyball,” he
said. About a dozen Disabled Sports
USA chapters offer sitting volleyball as
either a recreational or competitive sport.
You can find that listing at https://www.
disabledsportsusa.org/chapters/location-
map/. Parasport clubs would also be an
option to explore.
Photos courtesy of USA Volleyball/Bill Kauffman
18
ATHLETE PROFILE
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
DSUSA ELITE TEAM MEMBER THOMAS WILSON’S LIFE TAKES A 360 SPIN
This past year, Thomas Wilson’s life
has taken a 360 spin and it’s all because of
snowboarding. Wilson is an 18-year-old from
Rocky Mount, North Carolina, who was born
with an uncommon condition called Proximal
Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD), which
resulted in an above-knee amputation of his
right leg at a very young age. His parents
encouraged him to participate in various
sports as a child, but his first serious sport
and the one he felt he could do well in was
swimming. By the summer of sixth grade he
was actively competing in the sport. Flash
forward to his senior year of high school and
Wilson was swimming and participating in
Paralympic swim meets across the country. At
that time, Wilson had sights on attending and
swimming for the University of Colorado and
training at the Colorado Springs Olympic &
Paralympic Training Center. Then two years
ago Wilson was introduced to competitive
snowboarding. To Wilson, competitive
snowboarding just sounded like something
that would be fun. “I kind of just went for it,” he
said. Wilson first started with two local USSA
Snowboarding races and went on to the USSA
Nationals in Copper, Colorado.
It wasn’t until 2018 that his passion and
dedication for snowboarding ignited. “It
was around Ski Spec I started to heavily
consider the sport.” Wilson received an Ability
Equipped grant and attended Ski Spectacular
in Breckenridge, CO. Although Wilson fell in
love with snowboarding and the racing aspect
of the sport, he was not confident that he could
follow through and make plans surrounding
the sport without the right equipment.
Not having the right equipment hinged
Wilson’s ability to fully succeed in
snowboarding. Winning the grant, Wilson
says, gave him that extra push needed to focus on competing and
start taking the sport more seriously. “That was when I realized
I had the potential to possibly make the Paralympic snowboard
team.” Wilson explained that by having the right equipment
needed for racing encouraged him to compete more and work
harder. The equipment that Wilson uses for racing is the Moto
Knee and Versa Foot by Bio-Dapt and a Donek raceboard.
Having the proper equipment, Wilson decided to go on and
participate in the Nor-Am race at Big White, in Canada. “I think
that getting that grant really inspired me to go after the Nor-Am
circuit, because after that I had a raceboard and new bindings,
and I had the equipment I needed to race.” The Big White event
was Wilson’s first Paralympic snowboarding event. “Just going to
the race and being there was a huge accomplishment for me, and
to be classified at that race was super important.” The Big White
was Wilson’s fourth career race, but he explained that in reality
it was his first real race, as he had never experienced a course as
official as the Big White Nor-Am.
Wilson is looking forward to participating in more Nor-Am
races this season with two more domestic Nor-Am races in the
United States.” He is hoping to attend these events and then
possibly make it to a World Cup race. “You gain points in the
Nor-Am circuit in order to qualify for the World Cup circuit, so
Photos by Joe Kusumoto
19
ATHLETE PROFILE
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
"JUST GOING TO THE RACE AND BEING THERE WAS
A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR ME, AND TO BE
CLASSIFIED AT THAT RACE WAS SUPER IMPORTANT."
I’m working towards qualifying.” While
that is Wilson’s short-term goal, his
long-term goal is to make it onto the
team for the 2022 Winter Paralympics
in Beijing.
To prepare for these goals, Wilson
has to make sure to stay physically
strong. A majority of Wilson’s current
training is through bike riding
and dry land training. His focus is
strengthening his legs and core,
while also working on balance. This
season’s training will be different for
Wilson. “This year it will be a lot more
intensive as I will be training with the
National Ability Center (NAC) in Park
City, Utah, on their elite snowboard
team.” The NAC, a chapter of Disabled
Sports USA, played a big role in
teaching Wilson the snowboarding
basics when he was first starting out.
Along with this season training, Wilson
is currently attending his first year
of college at the University of Utah, a
school that has recognized him as an
athlete in training for the Paralympics
through the NAC.

U.S. Paralympic Curling Introductory Sport Camp
For Disabled Service Members & Veterans
Denver, CO • May 31-June 3, 2020
The nation’s premier Paralympic curling camp!
Free participation – Travel, lodging and meals included!
Camp is limited to 10 participants. Registration closes April 27.
Instruction by members of 2018 Paralympic Team & Staff
Contact: Marc DePerno, marc.deperno@usacurl.org • 315-292-3520
This camp is made possible thanks to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
and the Grant for Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces
curling_ad_challenge2018.indd 1
11/14/19 12:37 PM
Photo by Joe Kusumoto
CHAPTER LISTING
20 CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
ALABAMA
Lakeshore Foundation
Birmingham, AL 35209
lakeshore.org
ALASKA
Challenge Alaska
Anchorage, AK 99501
challengealaska.org
Southeast Alaska
Independent Living
Juneau, AK 99801
sailinc.org
ARIZONA
Arizona Disabled Sports
Mesa, AZ 85210
arizonadisabledsports.com
Ability 360 Sports &
Fitness Center
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Ability360sports.com
Arizona Adaptive
Watersports
Dewey, AZ 86327
Azadaptivewatersports.org
Southern Arizona
Adaptive Sports
Tucson, AZ 85733
soazadaptivesports.org
CALIFORNIA
Achieve Tahoe
Truckee, CA 96162
achievetahoe.org
Adaptive Sports and
Recreation Association
San Diego, CA 92195
adaptivesportsandrec.org
Amazing Surf Adventures
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
amazingsurfadventures.org
Angel City Sports
Los Angeles, CA 90064
angelcitysports.org
Bay Area Association of
Disabled Sailors
San Francisco, CA 94107
Baads.org
Bay Area Outreach and
Recreation Program (BORP)
Berkeley, CA 94703
borp.org
Central California
Adaptive Sports Center
Shaver Lake, CA 93664
centralcaladaptive.org
Disabled Sports USA
Eastern Sierra
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
disabledsports
easternsierra.org
Disabled Sports USA
Los Angeles -
The Unrecables
Los Angeles, CA 90024
unrecables.com
Disabled Sports USA
Orange County -
The Achievers
Fullerton, CA 92838
theachievers.org
Giant Steps Therapeutic
Equestrian Center
Petaluma, CA 94954
Giantstepsriding.org
U.S. Adaptive
Recreation Center
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
usarc.org
United States Driving for
the Disabled
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
usdfd.org
COLORADO
Adaptive Action Sports
Copper Mountain, CO
80443
adacs.org
Adaptive Adventures
Lakewood, CO 80215
adaptiveadventures.org
Adaptive Sports
Association
Durango, CO 81301
asadurango.com
Adaptive Sports Center
of Crested Butte
Crested Butte, CO 81224
adaptivesports.org
Breckenridge Outdoor
Education Center
Breckenridge, CO 80424
boec.org
Challenge Aspen
Snowmass Village, CO 81615
challengeaspen.org
Colorado Discover Ability
Grand Junction, CO 81501
cdagj.org
Foresight Ski Guides, Inc.
Vail, CO 81657
foresightskiguides.org
Golf 4 The Disabled
Englewood, CO 80110
golf4thedisabled.org
Ignite Adaptive Sports
Boulder, CO 80308
igniteadaptivesports.org
National Sports Center
for the Disabled
Denver, CO 80204
nscd.org
Steamboat Adaptive
Recreational Sports
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
steamboatstars.com
Telluride Adaptive Sports
Telluride, CO 81435
tellurideadaptivesports.org
Visually Impaired and
Blind Skiers
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
coloradovibes.org
CONNECTICUT
Chapter 126 Sports &
Fitness, an Oak Hill Center
Bristol, CT 06010
chapter126.com
Gaylord Hospital Sports
Association
Wallingford, CT 06492
Gaylord.org/sport
Leaps of Faith Adaptive
Skiers
Sandy Hook, CT 06482
leapsoffaithadaptiveskiers.com
FLORIDA
Central Florida Dreamplex
Clermont, FL 34711
cfldreamplex.com
Florida Disabled
Outdoors Association
Tallahassee, FL 32301
fdoa.org
GEORGIA
Athens Inclusive Recreation
and Sports, Inc. (AIRS)
Athens, GA 30605
airs-ga.org
BlazeSports America
Norcross, GA 30093
blazesports.org
HAWAII
AccesSurf
Honolulu, HI 96830
Accessurf.org
IDAHO
Adaptive Wilderness
Sports of McCall
(AWeSOMe!)
McCall, ID 83638
www.awesomemccall.org
AquAbility
Boise, ID 83705
aquability.org
Boise Adaptive Snowsport
Education
Boise, ID 83701
baseidaho.org
Higher Ground Sun Valley
Ketchum, ID 83340
highergroundusa.org
ILLINOIS
Adaptive Adventures
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
adaptiveadventures.org
Dare2tri
Chicago, IL 60642
dare2tri.org
Great Lakes Adaptive
Sports Association
(GLASA)
Lake Forest, IL 60045
glasa.org
Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
Chicago, IL 60611
sralab.org

INDIANA
Special Outdoor Leisure
Opportunities
South Bend, IN 46660
skisolomichiana.org
Turnstone Center for
Children and Adults with
Disabilities
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
turnstone.org
IOWA
Adaptive Sports Iowa
Ames, IA 50010
adaptivesportsiowa.org
KANSAS
Wichita Adaptive Sports
Wichita, KS 67203
wichitaadaptivesports.org
MAINE
Adaptive Outdoor
Education Center
Carrabassett, ME 04947
Adaptiveoutdoor
educationcenter.org
Central Maine
Adaptive Sports
Auburn, ME 04210
cmasports.org
Maine Adaptive
Sports & Recreation
Newry, ME 04261
maineadaptive.org
MARYLAND
Baltimore Adapted
Recreation and Sports
Parkton, MD 21120
barsinfo.org
Bennett Institute
Physically Challenged
Sports Program of
Kennedy Krieger
Baltimore, MD 21211
kennedykrieger.org
Chesapeake Region
Accessible Boating
Annapolis, MD 21409
crabsailing.org
Team River Runner, Inc.
Rockville, MD 20853
teamriverrunner.org

MASSACHUSETTS
AccesSport America
Acton, MA 01720
accessportamerica.org
Adaptive Sports
New England
Boston, MA 02111
Adaptivesportsne.org
MICHIGAN
Cannonsburg Challenged
Ski Association
Ada, MI 49301
skiccsa.org
Michigan Adaptive Sports
West Bloomfield, MI 48323
michiganadaptivesports.com
MINNESOTA
Courage Kenny Sports
and Recreation
Minneapolis, MN 55408
www.allinahealth.org/
adaptivesports
North Star
Community Rowing
Minneapolis, MN 55401
northstarcommunity
rowing.org
info@northstarcommunity
rowing.org
U.S. Electric Wheelchair
Hockey Association
Minneapolis, MN 55427
powerhockey.com
Wayzata Community
Sailing Center
Wayzata, MN 55391
Wayzatasailing.org
MISSOURI
Disabled Athlete
Sports Association
St. Peters, MO 63376
dasasports.org
Midwest Adaptive Sports
Dearborn, MO 64439
midwestadaptivesports.org
MONTANA
DREAM Adaptive
Recreation, Inc.
Whitefish, MT 59937
dreamadaptive.org
Eagle Mount Billings
Billings, MT 59101
eaglemount.us
Eagle Mount Bozeman
Bozeman, MT 59715
eaglemount.org
Eagle Mount Great Falls
Great Falls, MT 59403
eaglemount.net
CHAPTER LISTING
21
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
NEW HAMPSHIRE
AbilityPLUS, Inc.
Glen, NH 03838
abilityplus.org
Adaptive Sports Partners
of the North Country
Franconia, NH 03580
Adaptivesportspartners.org
Full Circle Farm
Therapeutic
Horsemanship
Newport, NH 03773
Fcftherapeutic.org
Granite State Adaptive
Mirror Lake, NH 03853
gsadaptivesports.org
Lakes Region Disabled
Sports at Gunstock
Gilford, NH 03249
lrdisabledsports.org
New England
Disabled Sports
Lincoln, NH 03251
nedisabledsports.org
New England Healing
Sports Association
Newbury, NH 03255
nehsa.org
Northeast Passage
Durham, NH 03824
nepassage.org
Waterville Valley
Adaptive Sports
Waterville Valley, NH 03215
watervilleadaptive.com
NEW MEXICO
Adaptive Sports
Program New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM 87502
adaptivesportsprogram.org
Ski Apache Adaptive Sports
Ruidoso, NM 88355
skiapacheadaptivesports.com
NEW YORK
Adaptive Sports
Foundation
Windham, NY 12496
adaptivesportsfoundation.org
Adaptive Sports Program
– Helen Hayes Hospital
West Haverstraw, NY 10993
helenhayeshospital.org/
hospital-services/adapted-
sports-and-recreation
ASPIRE, Inc.
(Amputee Program)
Hartsdale, NY 10530
aspirenewyork@gmail.com
Burke Rehabilitation
Hospital Adaptive
Sports Program
White Plains, NY 10605
burke.org/community/
adaptiveprograms
Cape Ability
Outrigger Ohana, Inc.
West Henrietta, NY 14586
adaptivecanoeing.org
Capital Region
Nordic Alliance
Albany, NY 12203
capitalregion
nordicalliance.org
GallopNYC
Brooklyn, NY 11215
gallopnyc.org
Greater Buffalo
Adaptive Sports
Hamburg, NY 14075
sledhockeyfoundation.org
Greek Peak
Adaptive Snowsports
Apalachin, NY 13732
gpadaptive.org
Lounsbury Adaptive
Ski Program
Ellicottville, NY 14731
lounsburyadaptive.org
Move Along, Inc.
Oswego, NY 13126
movealonginc.org
Rochester Accessible
Adventures
Rochester, NY 14623
rochesteraccessible
adventures.org
STRIDE, Inc.
West Sand Lake, NY 12196
stride.org
Western New York
Adaptive Water Sports
Grand Island, NY 14072
wnyadaptivewatersports.org
NORTH CAROLINA
Bridge II Sports
Durham, NC 27705
bridge2sports.org
NORTH DAKOTA
Dreams in Motion
Mandan, ND 58554
Dreamsinmotioninc.com
OHIO
Adaptive Sports
Connection
Powell, OH 43065
taasc.org
Adaptive Sports
Program of Ohio (ASPO)
Dalton, OH 44618
adaptivesportsohio.org
Three Trackers of Ohio
Middleburg Heights, OH
44130
3trackers.org
OKLAHOMA
UCO Center of
Adaptive Sports
Edmond, OK 73034
uco.edu/wellness/sr/
trainingsite/index.asp
OREGON
Adaptive Sports
Northwest
Beaverton, OR 97005
adaptivesportsnw.org
Adventures
Without Limits
Forest Grove, OR 97116
awloutdoors.org
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Bend, OR 97703
oregonadaptivesports.org

PENNSYLVANIA
Blue Ridge Adaptive
Snow Sports (BRASS)
Carroll Valley, PA 17320
brasski.org
Pennsylvania Center
for Adapted Sports
Philadelphia, PA 19130
centeronline.com
Three Rivers
Adaptive Sports
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
traspa.org
Two Top Mountain
Adaptive Sports
Foundation
Mercersburg, PA 17236
twotopadaptive.org
RHODE ISLAND
Access2Adventure
Tiverton, RI 02878
access2adventure.org
SOUTH CAROLINA
Adaptive Expeditions
Charleston, SC 29422
adaptiveexpeditions.org
Roger C. Peace
Rehabilitation Hospital
Greenville, SC 29605
ghs.org/rcp

TENNESSEE
Sports, Arts & Recreation
of Chattanooga (SPARC)
Chattanooga, TN 37343
sparctn.org
TEXAS
Kinetic Kids
San Antonio, TX 78269
kinetickidstx.org
Operation Comfort
San Antonio, TX 78209
operationcomfort.org
Soldiers Undertaking
Disabled Scuba (SUDS)
San Antonio, TX 28516
sudsdiving.org
UTAH
Common Ground
Outdoor Adventures
Logan, UT 84321
cgadventures.org
National Ability Center
Park City, UT 84060
discovernac.org
Ogden Valley
Adaptive Sports
Eden, UT 84310
ogdenvalleyadaptivesports.org
Wasatch Adaptive Sports
Snowbird, UT 84092
wasatchadaptivesports.org
VERMONT
Bart J. Ruggiere
Adaptive Sports Center
Manchester Center, VT
05255
bartadaptive.org
Central Vermont Pioneers
Montpelier, VT 05602
centralvermontpioneers.org
Friends of Stowe
Adaptive Sports
Hyde Park, VT 05655
stoweadaptive.org
Mount Snow
Adaptive Sports
Mount Snow, VT 05356
msadaptive.org
Northeast Disabled
Athletic Association
Burlington, VT 05408
disabledathletics.org
Vermont Adaptive Ski
& Sports Association
Killington, VT 05701
vermontadaptive.org
VIRGINIA
Adventure Amputee Camp
Falls Church, VA 22042
adventureamputeecamp.org
Sportable
Richmond, VA 23220
sportable.org
Therapeutic Adventures,Inc.
Charlottesville, VA 22905
TAonline.org
Wintergreen
Adaptive Sports
Roseland, VA 22967
wintergreenadaptivesports.org

WASHINGTON
Footloose Sailing
Association
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Footloosedisabledsailing.org

Outdoors for All Foundation
Seattle, WA 98115
Outdoorsforall.org

WASHINGTON, D.C.
DC Fire Fighters
Burn Foundation
Washington, DC 20017
dcffburnfoundation.org

WEST VIRGINIA
Challenged Athletes
of West Virginia
Snowshoe, WV 26209
cawvsports.org

WISCONSIN
Coulee Region Sport,
Therapeutic and Adaptive
Recreation Association
La Crosse, WI 54601
couleeregionsledhockey.com
Southeastern Wisconsin
Adaptive Ski Program
Cedarburg, WI 53022
sewasp.org
WYOMING
Teton Adaptive Sports, Inc.
Jackson, WY 83001
tetonadaptivesports.com
22
CHAPTER EVENTS MIDWEST
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
ADAPTED SPORTS PROGRAMS & COMPETITIONS AT TURNSTONE
CENTER FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
DARE2TRI TO HOST CHICAGO-AREA MULTISPORT CLINIC IN WINTER
HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS
Learn more at dare2tri.org.
Turnstone Center’s competitive sports season is underway with
wheelchair basketball, rugby, power soccer, and sled hockey teams
in full swing. Interested athletes may join team practices at any
time during the season.
Turnstone will also be hosting tournaments throughout the
winter and spring months. Athletes and teams are invited to
participate in the following events:
• Wheelchair Basketball Junior Division Regional Qualifier
—Jan. 25-26: Prep and Varsity division competitions will take
place starting early Saturday Morning and finish Sunday mid/
late afternoon.
• Turnstone Summit City Shootout Adult Wheelchair
Basketball Tournament: Feb. 1-2: Games will take place
starting early Saturday Morning and finishing Sunday mid/
late afternoon. All teams will have a minimum of three games.
We are expanding the invitation to DII and DIII teams.
• Silver Stick Sled Hockey Tournament – Feb, 1-2. Silver Stick
is an international organization that has more than 65,000
hockey participants. This event is a USA Hockey sanctioned
tournament for youth sled (sledge) hockey players (age 18 and
under) and pushers are allowed.
• 12th Annual Bob Chase Frostbite Sled Hockey Tournament –
Feb. 22-23: The event will be held at the Parkview/SportOne
Icehouse. This is a 3-sheet state-of-the art facility with a
full-service restaurant and bar, full service pro-shop, party
rooms and is fully accessible. The Icehouse is located at 3869
Ice Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. It is located close to numerous
hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. The event
will start Saturday mid-afternoon and conclude by mid-
afternoon Sunday.
• Turnstone Hoosier Thaw Power Soccer Tournament – March
7-8: The event will start Saturday mid-afternoon and conclude
by mid-afternoon Sunday. All teams are guaranteed four
games.
• Turnstone Endeavor Games – April 24-26: Registration
for Turnstone Endeavor Games opens Feb. 1, 2020 and
will be open through April 14, 2020. The 4th Annual
Turnstone Endeavor Games is an opportunity for athletes
with physical disabilities to participate in various sporting
events on a competitive level. Previous sports included
in the event with competition or clinic offerings include
air rifle shooting, archery, boccia, goalball, power soccer,
sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair
basketball.
For more information about adaptive sports programs, or to register for
these upcoming events, please visit https://turnstone.org/sports.
Dare2tri, a non-profit that specializes in paratriathlon training, will host its
annual Multisport Clinic on March 7, 2020, in Highland Park, Illinois. This
indoor clinic is open to individuals of all ages who have a physical disability
or visual impairment, from the beginner to the elite athlete.
Under the guidance of highly trained adaptive coaches and mentor athletes,
Multisport Clinic participants are trained in the various triathlon disciplines,
including swimming, cycling, running, and wheelchair pushing. There are
additional sessions focused on functional strength training and yoga.
Clinic activities are held at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, Vision
Quest Cycling, and Foss Swim School — all of which are conveniently located
in one Highland Park intersection. Attending costs $25, and includes a half-
day of high-level, individualized coaching, use of adaptive equipment, and a
complimentary Dare2tri tech T-shirt. Scholarship
opportunities are available for those in need of
financial assistance.
23
CHAPTER EVENTS MIDWEST
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
The 17th annual Great Lake Mono Ski and Race Camp will be
held Feb. 26, 27, and 28, 2020. This amazing three-day event is
the largest mono-ski camp in the Midwest for youth and adults
with disabilities. Skiers and instructors from the Midwest and
beyond come together to advance the participant’s mono-ski
skills. Skiers gain confidence, take steps at independence as
a skier and have the ability to learn about Paralympic
racing opportunities. Instructors from Adaptive
Adventures, Adaptive Sports Center, Breckenridge
Outdoor Education Center, and Courage Kenny Ski
and Snowboard Programs come together to provide skiers with
group instruction based on ability.
Each skier has the opportunity to be filmed professionally.
It is not only fun to see yourself ski but the ability to have
professionals analyze, discuss and create a lesson plan together
is priceless.
Adaptive Wilderness and Sports of McCall
(AWeSOMe!) is offering its winter season ski and
snowboard instruction at Brundage Mountain for
students with cognitive and/or physical disabilities
starting January. The AWeSOMe! Winter Program
offers a broad range of instruction for varying types of
skills. Our instructors are PSIA Certified and specially
trained in Alpine and Adaptive Skiing, ensuring that
all students learn to ski or snowboard with confidence
and safety, and most importantly have fun. We are also
excited to announce AWeSOMe! is entering this season
with a new bi-ski and a mono-ski through a generous
grant from the McCall Rotary Foundation, enabling us
to offer additional instruction to students requiring
adaptive ski equipment. 
AWeSOMe has offered an adaptive ski program for
19 years with qualified instructors with a passion for everyone
to enjoy winter sports. Our regular scheduled instruction is on
Saturday and Sunday, from January to March and mid-week
lessons by appointment throughout the season. We will also
host our annual Warfighter Sports Ski and Snowboard Event for
wounded warriors on Feb. 22-23.
17TH ANNUAL GREAT LAKE MONO SKI AND RACE CAMP
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
CHAPTER EVENTS MOUNTAIN
ADAPTIVE SKI AND SNOWBOARD LESSONS AT BRUNDAGE
MOUNTAIN MCCALL, IDAHO
For more information about our adaptive ski and snowboard lessons
visit us at our website awesomemccall.org.
For more information or to register, contact Mark Hanna, Mark.hanna@allina.com,
218-726-4834 ext. 2 or Eric Larson eric.larson@allina.com, 218-726-4834 ext. 4
24
CHAPTER EVENTS MOUNTAIN
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
43 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG! WINTER ADAPTIVE
ADVENTURES WITH BOEC SUMMIT COUNTY, COLORADO
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) is gearing up for its 43rd
winter season of outdoor adaptive adventures in Summit County, Colorado …
right smack in the heart of the Colorado Rockies! Last year’s snow season was
certainly an epic one with over 400 inches of white gold gracing our mountains
and valleys, and we’re looking forward to another fantastic season in 2019-
2020. At its core, BOEC offers daily PSIA-certified, one-on-one, customized
downhill skiing and riding experiences for those with disabilities or special
needs at the world-renowned Breckenridge & Keystone Ski Resorts. But, we
don’t stop there as we offer cross-country and snowshoeing instruction, as well
as a plethora of specialized camps for individual sign-up. A few of our program
highlights include the Outdoor Active Ski Retreat (OAR) designed for adults
living with Parkinson’s Disease, Jan. 20-24, 2020, and the Adventures Within
(AWI) Winter Ski Retreat for adults living with Multiple Sclerosis, Feb. 22-26,
2020.
Additionally, don’t forget about BOEC’s Heroic Military Program for
veterans injured in the line of duty and their families. Most of these veteran programs are offered for free or for a minimal charge.
A few of these offerings include the Military Ski & Snowboard Camp, run in conjunction with Adaptive Adventures, January 14-16,
2020, and the Mono-Ski Camp, January 26-30, 2020. Space fills up fast for all of BOEC’s programming, so advanced reservations are
highly recommended.
Full Schedule of Winter 2019-20 Events
• The Hartford Ski Spectacular (DSUSA) – Dec. 9-15
• Challenge by Choice – Brain Injury Alliance (BIA) Ski Retreat – Jan. 6-10
• Military Ski & Snowboard Camp – Jan. 14-16
• Outdoor Active Ski Retreat (OAR) – Jan. 20-24
• Mono-Ski Camp – Jan. 26-30
• Adventures Within (AWI) Winter Ski Retreat – Feb. 22-26
• USABA Winter Ski Festival – Feb. 26 – March 1
• Wounded Heroes Mountain Family Ski Week – April 5-12
LEARN-TO-SKI AND SNOWBOARD IN THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS
DURANGO, COLORADO
For the past 36 years, Adaptive Sports Association (ASA)
has been providing life-changing experiences for people with
disabilities. During the winter months, ASA runs a ski and
snowboard school based at Purgatory Resort in Durango,
Colorado. At the heart of our winter programs are learn-to-ski
scholarships.
Learn-to-ski scholarships include transportation to, from,
and around Durango, lodging, most meals, lift tickets, private
lessons, and equipment rentals. The typical scholarship
recipient stays for five days, with four days of one-on-one
snowsport instruction. ASA offers instruction in traditional
2-track skiing, 3- and 4-track skiing, snowboarding, mono-
skiing, bi-skiing, ski-biking, and more. 
Ideal candidates are people with a physical disability and/
or progressive disease who are new to adaptive skiing and
will help spread the word about ASA’s program within their
communities. We also have programs designed specifically for
injured service members and people living with developmental,
cognitive, and intellectual disabilities.
For more information about specific programs, visit asadurango.com.
Contact Klancy Nixon at 970-259-0374 or klancy@asadurango.com for
more information about learn-to-ski scholarships, or individual or group
lessons.
For more information and a full listing
of our programs please visit our website
at www.boec.org or contact Claire DiCola,
Admissions Director at Claire@boec.org 
or 970-453-6422.
25
CHAPTER EVENTS MOUNTAIN
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
CHALLENGE ASPEN ASPEN, COLORADO
Please join Challenge Aspen’s Recreational, Educational, and Cultural (REC)
program for an adaptive race camp, in preparation for NASTAR Nationals. This
2-day race clinic will be led by certified coaches and adaptive professionals to help
you your fine tune your skills for doing your best in the 2020 NASTAR Nationals.
The camp will be held in Snowmass, Colorado, the two days prior to NASTAR
Nationals racing which will also be held in Snowmass, Colorado. We will focus on
race techniques, proper waxing/equipment maintenance, video analysis and of
course a few social activities.
Camp is FREE to the first 12 2020 NASTAR-Qualified Adaptive Racers who
apply.
Lodging, lift and entry fee financial aid will also be provided for those in need.
Race Camp – Tuesday and Wednesday, March 24-25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
NASTAR Nationals – Thursday through Sunday, March 26-29
Please see the Challenge Aspen website at challengeaspen.org for more details.
COLORADO DISCOVER ABILITY
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO
Join Colorado
Discover Ability
as we celebrate
our 40th year of
providing outdoor
recreation for
people of all
abilities! CDA
guests will once
again enjoy
amazing ski
conditions and
incredible views
atop Powderhorn
Mountain Resort.
In addition to ample amounts of snow last season, we also
added two new adaptive ski bikes to our program that were a
tremendous hit.
This year we are honored to be the beneficiary of a pre-
opening day at Powderhorn on Dec. 12. Eager skiers and
riders can get a head start on the first turns of the year by
purchasing a discounted lift ticket to gain first tracks before
the official opening day on Dec, 13. Proceeds from the sale of
these tickets will go to CDA!
CDA is always grateful for the many individuals who help
care for our mission including our amazing volunteers and
donors. We look forward to another amazing winter with your
support!
For more information visit our website at www.cdagj.org, call 970-
257-1222 or email programs@cdagj.org.
SKIING, SNOWSHOEING,
CANOEING, DOG SLEDDING
AND MORE LOGAN, UTAH
Fall is in the air and snow has hit the tops of the mountains in
Logan, Utah, bringing with it an excitement for the upcoming
winter season. We are looking forward to an exciting season
providing many fun and thrilling outdoor experiences out
of our adaptive center at Beaver Mountain Ski Area, as well
as our Logan City office! Activities include: alpine ski lessons
seven days a week, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding
and many others. Common Ground wants to help individuals
of all abilities have the opportunity to participate. This means
low fees and scholarship opportunities for activities and trips.
In addition to daily adaptive ski lessons and other activities,
Common Ground offers multi day programs.
Warfighter Ski Trip – Feb.4-8: Come enjoy Beaver Mountain
Ski area and explore around Garden City Utah.
Dog Sledding Trip – Jackson, Wy – March 6-8: This is one of
our most popular trips. Come enjoy the beautiful scenery, great
company, and an adventure that you will not forget.
26
CHAPTER EVENTS MOUNTAIN
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
DREAM ADAPTIVE RECREATION - BACKCOUNTRY POWDER CAMP
WHITEFISH, MONTANA
DREAM Adaptive Recreation and Great Northern Powder
Guides (GNPG) know the adaptive backcountry cat skiing/
snowboarding experience. Cold smoke ... yes please! Join us for
Pow Camp and you’ll receive three days of guided backcountry
skiing/snowboarding, two days at Whitefish Mountain Resort
(WMR), an avalanche safety class, along with all the amenities
and hosting that cater to powder hounds like you! We offer a
low adaptive skier/rider-to-powder host ratio to assist you in
the deep stuff, as needed. GNPG has 20,000 acres of Northwest
Montana cat skiing, and we want to give you access to shred!
This camp is for independent intermediate to advanced skiers
and riders with permanent physical disabilities. No previous
backcountry experience necessary, but skiing/riding powder and
advanced terrain experience is required. There is a minimum
skill and equipment requirement that must be met before
you can attend this event. We’ll ask for your credentials and
references during the application process.
Camp Details:
• 7 adaptive skiers and snowboarders only; space is limited!
• 6 nights of accessible lodging in Whitefish
• 5 nights of amazing dining provided local Whitefish eateries
and local gourmet food trucks
• 3 Cat-Skiing/Snowboarding days and 2 resort days
• Avalanche Safety Training Class
• A low Skier/Rider to Powder Host Ratio
• Local ground transportation
Camp Dates and Schedule: Feb. 9-15, 2020
Sun, Feb. 9h: Arrival Day! Meet and mingle at The Great
Northern
Mon, Feb. 10: Freeride Day, Equipment shake-down &
Avalanche Safety Class @ WMR
Tues, Feb 11: Cat – Skiing Day 1
Wed, Feb 12: Cat – Skiing Day 2
Thurs, Feb 13: Recovery & Relaxation Day or another on snow
day at WMR
Fri, Feb 14: Cat – Skiing Day 3
Sat, Feb 15: Departure Day :(
Camp Fee: $925/person for a double-occupancy room; $1,175
for a private single room. $400 non-refundable deposit is
required to hold your seat on the Cat. Full payment required by
Jan. 9
For more information, please contact: Lucas Grossi, Powder Camp
Coordinator, 406-890-8348, lgrossi@dreamadaptive.org.
ADAPTIVE SNOWSPORTS PROGRAM AT ELDORA BOULDER, COLORADO
Since 1975, the volunteers at Ignite Adaptive Sports have
been providing enjoyable winter sport experiences to people
with disabilities all over the Front Range and surrounding
Colorado Mountain Communities. Current offerings include
alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ski biking and
snowshoeing opportunities. Full and half-day snowsport lessons
run January through March and are held Thursdays through
Sundays. With an incredible amount of early season snow, the
2019/2020 season looks to be a memorable one.
New volunteer orientations offered each fall are currently
underway with record turnout for this season. Last year,
over 248 volunteers donated over 16,000 hours, providing
1,243 lessons to over 280 students, 59 of whom were disabled
veterans. This is equivalent to a donation of over $471,000
(based on the Independent Sector for 2018). All of Ignite’s
lessons are provided by their amazing volunteer base, the
lifeblood of Ignite Adaptive Sports.
Volunteers undergo training specifically oriented to
providing a safe, fun and educational experience for persons
with disabilities. Ongoing training throughout the season is
offered to maximize the instructor’s personal skiing/riding,
teaching ability and technical knowledge.
In addition to their incredible volunteers, Ignite Adaptive
Sports does not turn any students away based on their disability
or ability to pay. Scholarships are available to individuals
who meet the income requirements set by the scholarship
committee. Please contact scholarship@igniteadaptivesports.
org for more information.
Visit igniteadaptivesports.org or Ignite Adaptive Sports on Facebook
for more information regarding the 2019/2020 season and additional
snowsport information.
27
CHAPTER EVENTS MOUNTAIN
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
PAY IT FORWARD WHILE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE PARK CITY, UTAH
Ride the best snow on earth as you work! The National Ability
Center (NAC) is actively recruiting experienced adaptive ski
and snowboard instructors to join us at Park City Mountain!
Are you ready to pursue your ski and snowboard dreams?
Join the National Ability Center High Performance Team. We
offer racing and freestyle options to meet your training goals.
NAC’s Alpine Team Head Coach has been named Adaptive
Domestic Coach of The Year by USSA. Our current team and
alumni roster includes Paralympic gold medalists as well as
athletes who have been featured in publications like Powder
Magazine, USA Today and more!
• Holiday Overnight Family Camp, Dec.18-22. A winter
experience for the whole family in Park City, Utah. This
overnight camp will include ski and snowboard lessons,
unmounted equestrian activities, crafts and more.
Lodging and food included. For families that have a
member with a disability.
• Military Backcountry Snowshoe, Jan. 11. Military
service members and their families are invited to join an
adaptive, guided backcountry snowshoe trip to the NAC
yurt in the Uinta Mountains.
• Friends & Family Fat Biking, Feb. 23. Discover adaptive,
winter fat tire biking on the snowy groomed trails
surrounding the National Ability Center
Create your own adaptive adventure with a stay in our Park
City lodge and an action-packed schedule of adaptive outdoor
activities from ski and snowboard, to indoor climbing, Nordic
skiing, snowshoeing and more!
For more information, visit www.discovernac.org. Scholarship available.
VARIOUS ACTIVITIES WITH THE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER FOR THE
DISABLED WINTER PARK AND DENVER, COLORADO
At the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD),
we provide various winter activities for kids and adults with
disabilities. We host programs both in Winter Park and in the
Metro Denver area. Check out some of our programs that we
have to offer below!
Winter Park Mountain Programs: Our adaptive alpine ski,
snowboard and ski bike lessons are some of our most popular
mountain programs. We provide private lessons with highly
trained adaptive instructors. Lessons are tailored to meet the
needs or goals of each individual participant. Lessons are
available for two-track, three-track, four-track, slider ski, ski
bike, mono-ski, dual-ski, bi-ski and snowboard.
Full-day and half-day lessons are available. Family lessons
are also available and can provide an opportunity for a parent
or adult to learn proper techniques for assisting the family
member with special needs while on the slopes.
The program for ages 5 and older is held during the Winter
Park Resort Season 2019-2020 at the Winter Park Resort.
Full lessons are 9 a.m.-4 p.m.(with one-hour lunch). Half-day
classes are 9 a.m.–noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Denver Metro Programs: In the Denver Metro area we offer
various sports and activities for all. We offer activities such as
indoor rock climbing and indoor kayaking.
Interested in customizing your own activity with a group?
We offer custom group activities where you and your group can
determine your custom activities and sports!
For reservations, please contact customer service at 970-726-1518 or
visit nscd.org for more information!
Photo by Eclectic Brew Productions
28
CHAPTER EVENTS MOUNTAIN
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
YOUR GROUP ADVENTURE
STARTS HERE STEAMBOAT
SPRINGS, COLORADO
Located in beautiful Steamboat Springs, STARS offers
customized group camps with all types of winter adaptive
recreating including:
Skiing/Snowboarding/Nordic/Sled Hockey/Mountain
Biking/Cycling/Therapeutic Horseback Riding/Hiking/
Waterskiing/Paddle Sports/Fishing
Groups stay at the new 27-bed fully accessible STARS Ranch,
which enables groups to stay together, socialize, and experience
adaptive recreation as well as education programs. The Ranch
includes common gathering areas, kitchen, BBQ, fire pit and
unparalleled views. Located two miles from downtown and the
ski mountain, STARS Ranch lets you explore all the Steamboat
has to offer in a convenient location.
For more information or to inquire about booking a group, contact Mike
Boone at 970-870-1950 or email her at Mike@steamboatstars.com.
TASP HOSTING A SKI & RIDE CAMP IN JAPAN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN! 
Telluride Adaptive Sports
Program (TASP) is excited
to bring the answer to every
skier and rider’s greatest
fantasy this winter by hosting
an adaptive ski & ride camp
in Hokkaido, Japan! The
island nation, with more ski
areas than any other country
in the world, has garnered
something of celebrity status
within ski culture, always
being at the top of any skier/
rider's international bucket
list. 
Telluride Adaptive, always
striving to offer the highest
level of inclusive opportunity
to its participants no matter
how extreme or far reaching,
has focused its energies this
season on tailoring this brand-
new offering. No stranger to international and faraway ski destinations (TASP has hosted ski camps in areas like Chile and Alaska),
TASP has worked diligently the last year to bridge cultures and build relationships to find viable accommodations, hospitality
and transportation for participants of varying ability levels, especially for those with mobility considerations such as wheelchairs.
TASP has attentively sought out a world class ski area (Rusutsu Ski Resort) and a custom itinerary to allow for individual's varying
considerations to be catered to. 
While skiing in Japan is of course the main focus of this endeavor, TASP has a few side trips lined up to facilitate a variety
of cultural experiences through food, regional attractions, soaking in the Onsens (Japanese hot springs) a visit to the 70th
Anniversary Sapporo Snow Festival. The trip will take place February 3-12, 2020.
More information available by contacting Tim McGough at 970-728-3865 or emailing programs@tellurideadaptivesports.org.
CHAPTER EVENTS NORTHEAST
29
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
DISCOVER THE MAINE WAY THIS WINTER VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Maine winters are known to be long — luckily the Adaptive
Outdoor Education Center has a myriad of programs for you to
enjoy the great outdoors!
Horizons Skiing at Sugarloaf Mountain — This program is at
our home mountain and backyard playground. Inclusive with
the Sugarloaf Ski School, our program is for individuals with
autism and takes place every weekend January - March.
New Hermon Mountain — A new location for us this year,
this program is for all abilities and ages and will take place on
Tuesday evenings.
New this year is Nordic skiing! Join us monthly for Nordic
skiing in Carrabassett Valley. This program will teach the basics
of Nordic skiing while enjoying the beautiful scenery along
the way. Additionally, we offer private snowshoe programs for
individuals and groups.
Horizons Climbing: Conquer your crux this winter by joining
us at any of our three gym partners throughout the state of
Maine. We climb twice a month at EVO Rock + Fitness in
Portland and Maine Bound.
Adventure
Center in Orono.
We also provide
private climbing
sessions at the Anti-
Gravity Complex in
Carrabassett Valley.
Lodging: Stay
warm and enjoy an
awesome community
of like-minded folks
by taking advantage of our low-cost, fully accessible lodging
in Carrabassett Valley. Whether you need one bed or 25, we’ve
got you covered this winter season! We are located just one
mile south of the Sugarloaf Access road, making for an easy
commute when you’re up early for first tracks!
ALL ABILITIES WELCOME TO TRY TRAIL ORIENTEERING DELMAR, NEW YORK
As a DSUSA New York chapter, Capital Region Nordic Alliance
(CRNA) continues to grow in its adaptive programming in its five
year-round winter Nordic sports (xc skiing, biathlon, orienteering,
snowshoe and bobsled/skeleton). Being a national leader in
the development of Trail Orienteering for not only those with
disabilities but the entire community, CRNA is positioned to offer
high quality, national qualifying events for those with a variety of
disabilities to represent the USA in both national competitions as
well as the World Trail Orienteering Championships. In 2020, it
will take place in Hong Kong.
Trail Orienteering (TrailO) is an orienteering sport that
involves precise reading of an orienteering map and the
corresponding terrain. Trail orienteers must identify, in the
terrain and in the presence of decoys, control points shown
on the map. TrailO involves navigation yet no point to point
racing and little or no route choice. It is conducted usually on trails
and because the objective is accuracy, the sport is accessible to
physically disabled competitors on equal terms as able-bodied.
TrailO has been developed to offer everyone, including people
with limited mobility, a chance to participate in a meaningful
orienteering competition. Because control points are identified
from a distance, and competitors are not allowed to leave the trails,
participants with and without physical disabilities compete on level
terms.
PreO
PreO (Precision Orienteering) is the traditional form of Trail
Orienteering. Competitors are given a map at the start. The
locations of the controls, the start and the finish are marked on
the map. At each site, there are a number of control flags (which is
called by a Latin letter A, B, C, D or E, but only one or none correctly
represent the control marked on the map. The competitors have
to stay on trails as shown on the map and look at the control at a
specified location on the trail, which is called the decision point
(DP). The sole purpose of the decision point is to determine which
flags are A, B, C, D or E, which is needed to make the answer.
Competitors are allowed to move along the trail to observe but need
to choose the answer at the decision point. Each correct answer
scores one point, and wrong answer scores zero point.
TempO
A TempO course has timed controls only. The competitors are
ranked according to their time taken, which is the time needed
to answer all controls and 30 seconds penalty for each incorrect
answer, including blank and multiple answers.
In each timed station, competitors are required to sit at a
designated place, at which all control flags can be seen clearly. The
flags are labelled from the left to the right,(alpha, bravo, charlie,
delta, echo, foxtrot). They are given a set of maps including only the
area around the controls, one for each question, and have to point at
the correct answer or speak A, B, C, D, E, F, Z, as quickly as possible.
The time at each TempO station is 150 sec.
Trail O is a sport all can enjoy yet offers full access and inclusion
to those with disabilities.
Location of local/regional CRNA Trail O events, check out our
events page for events held at 5 Rivers Environmental Center
in Delmar, New York, as well as events in Windham, New York.
National events will be held in Boston and proposed Navy Shipyard,
Philadelphia, March-April 2020.
Call CRNA at 315-396-9967 for further information on TrailO and its
other exciting Paralympic Nordic sports.
For more information please visit www.adaptiveoutdooreducationcenter.org.
CHAPTER EVENTS NORTHEAST
30 CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
STOWE MONOSKI CLINIC SHOWCASES TWENTY OF THE BEST TALENT
STOWE, VERMONT
This will be the seventh consecutive year that Friends of
Stowe Adaptive Sports hosts what has become one of the most
anticipated ski event of the year: FOSAS MonoSki Clinic at
Stowe Mountain Resort regrouping some of the best talent
from the East. The perennial favorite is a collaboration between
Friends of Stowe Adaptive Sports, the Spaulding Adaptive
Sports Center, Eastern Adaptive Sports and the Kelly Brush
Foundation
Annually, about 20 mono sit-skiers of all ages and abilities
come from near and far eager to ski at Stowe Mountain Resort,
to share knowledge with each other, to receive top notch ski
instructions from experts...and to rip some fast laps on the
Stowe's famous Front Four.
This event puts a spotlight on adaptive skiing, gives the
athletes a chance to trade stories, learn from each other, and
introduce some members of the general public to monoskiing. 
Expert and intermediate mono skiers are led in clinics by
Geoff Krill, director of Eastern Adaptive Sports and PSIA–
AASI Adaptive Team Coach and by Chris Young, US Coast
Guard (Ret.), World Cup and Paralympic Champion, X Games
Champion, and volunteer at the Spaulding Adaptive Sports
Centers. 
Other athletes receive one-on-one lessons with instructors of
the Stowe Mountain Resort Ski and Snowboard ski school and
of the Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers. This year’s Mono
Ski Day is sponsored by Stowe Mountain Resort, Inntopia, and
Green Mountain Inn. 
Space is limited and the event sells out quickly. To sign up, visit https://
www.stoweadaptive.org/events/stowe-monoski-day/ or contact Pascale
Savard at pascale05672@gmail.com.
ADAPTIVE
ALPINE SKIING &
SNOWBOARDING
PROGRAM
PLANTSVILLE,
CONNECTICUT
For nearly a decade now, LOF Adaptive
Skiers has been providing adaptive winter
sports opportunities at Mount Southington
in Plantsville, Connecticut. We will be back
again at Mount Southington this upcoming
winter with lessons offered two days a week
from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (weekdays only). Lessons
will begin shortly after Jan. 1 and run until
mid-March, depending on weather. We have
the volunteers and equipment to offer lessons
to children, adults and veterans of nearly all
disabilities. This includes both stand-up and
sit-skiing for complete beginners or more
advanced skiers.
Please email LOFskiers@gmail.com for more
information.
WINTER FUN AT MOUNT SNOW RESORT
DOVER, VERMONT
Opening our third
winter season,
Adaptive Sports
at Mount Snow
(ASMS) is pleased
to announce our
winter programing
for the 2019-2020
season. Daily
adaptive ski and
snowboard lessons
start Dec. 15 and
run to March 29.
ASMS is also host to the Bluebirds Special Olympics ski and ride team,
starting in January. Premiering this season is Veteran Fridays, a peer
led group for retired and active service members who receive services
through the regional Vet Center. We invite you to join adaptive athletes
and community members on the slopes and dinner table at our Winterfest
Ski-athon, Auction and Gala Dinner on Feb. 22, 2020. Come experience one
of the most powerful snowmaking systems in North America! No matter
the weather, the surfaces are some of the best on the east coast. Located in
West Dover, Vermont, just over an hour from Albany, New York and three
hours from Boston, Mount Snow is a place for all!
Ski and Snowboard Lessons: Dec. 15, 2019-March 29, 2020
Bluebirds Special Olympic team: Jan. 5-March 22, 2020
Veteran Fridays: January-March 2020
Winterfest: February 22, 2020
For more information, check out our website www.adaptiveatsnow.org.
CHAPTER EVENTS NORTHEAST
31
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
FULL CIRCLE FARM THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP
NEWPORT, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Located on a stunning 160-acre facility in
Newport New Hampshire, Full Circle Farm
Therapeutic Horsemanship (FCFTH) is
a Professional Association of Therapeutic
Horsemanship (PATH) accredited program
that offers mounted and unmounted activities
to people with different abilities. Established in
2014 with one rider, we now offer over 50 riders
a week the ability to learn and grow through
adaptive riding. The benefits of riding vary
depending on the goals and expectations of
the rider. These can include improving muscle
tone and balance, core strengthening, improved
expressive language, learning appropriate
behavior, building trust and finding peace.
We offer individual and group lessons as well
as hosting school groups, vocational training,
veteran program as well as trauma/PTS focused programs.
With a heated indoor arena, we can offer lessons year-round.
While we currently have a waiting list for participants, we often
have spaces open up early in the year so give us a call. We are
also always looking for volunteers.
Upcoming events include: Dec. 7, Volunteer Appreciation and
Holiday Party, with donkeys, Santa, silent auction and cookie
swap, even if you are new to us, come on by and say hi. In
February we are hosting our annual Beach Party — a little bit of
summer fun mid-winter in a heated indoor arena!
Check our website or Facebook for details.
MAINE ADAPTIVE PUTS THE COURT CHAIRS TO EVEN MORE USE
WITH PICKLEBALL! SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE
One of the fastest growing sports in America
involves a court and a net. And, no, it’s not
tennis or badminton, its pickleball. Maine
Adaptive’s newest addition to their winter
program line up is giving Mainers a new
opportunity to remain active during the
colder months. Like the other sports pickleball
resembles, it can be played indoors, outdoors,
singles, doubles, stand-up, and wheelchair.
The diversity in which this sport is played has
opened up many opportunities for adaptive
athletes resulting in an increased interest and
demand for this trending sport.
Hosted by The Point Community Center in
South Portland, Maine Adaptive launched its
pickleball program on Nov. 14 and plans to run
weekly lessons every Thursday from 2 p.m.-4
p.m., throughout the winter season. All players
will gain and experience camaraderie, skill
development, exercise, competition, and good
fun! Whether you are a seasoned player or new
to the sport, play one game and you will be
hooked!
For more information about this sports program or other Maine Adaptive offerings, contact
us at info@maineadaptive.org, or visit www.maineadaptive.org.
Photo by Hilary Cole
CHAPTER EVENTS NORTHEAST
32 CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
GET MOVING WITH MOVE ALONG OSWEGO, NEW YORK
Looking for some fun activities to keep you active this winter,
but don't like the cold weather outside?
Move Along, Inc is a small nonprofit which hosts and
supports many adaptive and inclusive activities in Central New
York! By offering programming throughout the region, we seek
to foster community engagement and promote recreation in our
community. 
The CNY Sled Hockey Flyers, our flagship competition team,
has begun to heat up the ice for a challenging season which
culminates in an annual home tournament in March. As the
Flyers skate into a new season, our winter wheelchair basketball
programs are rolling out in collaboration with our community
partners. Programs will be hosted at McChesney Park in
Syracuse, New York, for adults and at Granby Elementary in
Fulton for youth. For a more individualized experience, Move
Along continues to offer weekly wheelchair tennis practices-  A
program initially piloted with the Exercise Science program at
Syracuse University 
In addition to weekly programming through the winter,
Move Along will run a series of adaptive cycling clinics in
2020. These clinics, will be offered in area gyms in Syracuse,
Canandaigua, Binghamton and Watertown. With over 12
different adaptive cycles, including tandem cycles for visually
impaired riders, we hope to offer a unique and enjoyable
experience for participants of all experiences and abilities. 
For more information including clinic descriptions and sign ups, please
see our website, www.nehsa.org. For more information and to get involved,
contact us at info@nehsa.org or 603-763-9158
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING AT MOUNT SUNAPEE RESORT
NEWBURY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
New England Healing Sports Association (NEHSA) is gearing
up for another wonderful winter season at beautiful Mount
Sunapee in Newbury, New Hampshire. NEHSA provides
outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals of all ages
with physical and cognitive disabilities. We are so excited to be
opening our newly renovated lodge for our 47th winter season!
At NEHSA, we believe that anyone can learn to ski or ride!
Whether you are new to snow sports or have been on the
slopes for years, we have trained instructors to help you have
a safe and fun day in the snow. Ski and snowboard lessons are
available seven days a week beginning Dec. 26 continuing until
the snow runs out. Sign up ASAP for a wonderful day out on the
snow!
NEHSA will also be providing instructor training
opportunities before our season begins. On- and off-snow
clinics will be taking place Dec. 7, 14, 15, 20, and 21. Clinic
content will include information ranging from how to teach an
adaptive lesson to advanced tethering techniques and almost
everything in between!
To cheer on Team Move Along, participate, volunteer, schedule an
event, or learn more, please visit www.movealonginc.org or contact Jeff
Wright at 315-263-1705.
CHAPTER EVENTS NORTHEAST
33
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
ENJOY THE MOUNTAINS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE LOON MOUNTAIN AND
BRETTON WOODS, NEW HAMPSHIRE
New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) has several
opportunities for you to get out and enjoy the beautiful
White Mountains of New Hampshire. Winter is upon us
and the skiing/riding season will begin on Dec. 14. Our
knowledgeable staff and volunteers will provide you
with the equipment, training, and support to actively
participate in alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing,
and snowshoeing.
Veterans Ski for FREE! Any veteran living with a
disability skis for free any day of the week. Call the office
at 603-745-9333 to sign up today!
Sports for Life – March 20-22: This is a scholarship
opportunity for anyone that is new to NEDS. Any age
or disability is accepted. Includes two days of skiing/
riding with lift ticket, equipment, and lesson. Housing is
included with the scholarship.
W.I.N.G.S Scholarship – This is a scholarship
opportunity for anyone on the autism spectrum that
is new to NEDS. Includes two days of skiing/riding,
lift ticket, and lesson. Housing is included with the
scholarship.
General scholarships available for reduced cost lessons
for all ages and ability levels!
Call to sign up today 603-745-9333!
SLED HOCKEY PROGRAM ALBANY, NEW YORK
The Sled Hockey program run by STRIDE Adaptive Sports is
located right in the Albany area! Forget everything you think
you know about Sled Hockey because the Capital District Sled
Warriors is a program like no other. From October to April,
the team meets weekly on Sundays from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m.
Practices are held on weekends at the Albany County Hockey
Facility ice rink, with tournaments and games
scheduled throughout the late winter and early
spring.
Twelve years ago, the team was founded by Tom
and Kim Wilson of Slingerlands for their son and
local teenagers with physical disabilities. STRIDE
Adaptive Sports took over the team in 2009, and
the sport has continued to grow in popularity ever
since. If you live in the Capital Region, we invite
you to join in the fun!
Similar to ice hockey, sled hockey is an exciting
and competitive full-contact sport. In place of
skates, players are seated in sleds and hockey
sticks are replaced with short picks that have metal
teeth at the end. Players use their picks to pass,
stick handle, shoot the puck, and propel their sled
across the ice. Regardless of skill, no player is ever turned away;
possessing such a positive mindset has rewarded this team
with tremendous success! While winning may be the primary
incentive for other teams, the Sled Warriors believe that
victories come from the pride and happiness they radiate both
on and off the ice.
For more information, visit https://www.stride.org/sports/sled-hockey/ or call 518-598-12
CHAPTER EVENTS NORTHEAST
34 CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
We are ready for winter sports at Vermont Adaptive! Join us at Pico
Mountain/Killington Resort, Sugarbush Resort, and Bolton Valley
Ski Area for some downhill adventures. Or join us indoors for some
rock climbing. We offer daily, year-round programming throughout
Vermont including Veterans Retreats, wellness camps and more. Visit
www.vermontadaptive.org for reservation and more information.
C.O.R.E. Connections Wellness Camp – Feb. 19-21, 2020 at Pico
Mountain, Killington, Vermont. Join us for an adventure-filled week of
camp that emphasizes whole body health and is open to all ages and
abilities. The camp includes an initial individualized lifestyle analysis
and moves on to personalized goal setting, nutrition, fitness and
mindfulness. Activities include farm to table field trips, cooking, fitness
modalities, creative arts and music, and season-related adventures
including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, indoor rock climbing,
yoga and more. For more details, pricing and information, visit www.
vermontadaptive.org.
13th Annual United States Association of Blind Athletes Winter
Festival – Feb. 7-10, 2020, at Pico Mountain. Vermont Adaptive Ski and
Sports will host more than 30 athletes from across the country who are
blind or visually impaired at Pico Mountain Resort, Feb. 7-10. Athletes
will learn to and participate in alpine skiing, snowboarding and Nordic
skiing plus snowshoeing. The event continues to be the largest annual
gathering of skiers in the U.S. who are blind and visually impaired. In
some cases, this will be a participant’s first time skiing without sight.
Saturday and Sunday will be filled with alpine skiing at Pico Mountain
Resort with the option to participate in Nordic skiing. Saturday will also
see participants given the opportunity to try air rifle with an auditory
rifle system, the same system used for Paralympic biathlon competitions.
No matter the lesson, Vermont Adaptive’s team of highly trained instructors will work with attendees to improve their skills. More
details at www.usaba.org.
Weekly Veterans Programs – Join other veterans on a weekly basis at our partner resorts to ski, snowboard, ice climb and
more, or participate in one of our special Veterans Weekend Retreats. Programs are specifically designed to support those
military servicemen and women to experience a new sport or excel in an
existing one while creating a safe social community of friendship, trust
and camaraderie. For more info, contact Ret. SSG. Misha Pemble-Belkin at
veterans@vermontadaptive.org.
For information on all programs, visit vermontadaptive.org.
DAILY SKI AND SNOWBOARD LESSONS AT TWO TOP MOUNTAIN
MERCERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports offers daily ski and
snowboard lessons to our disabled population including
children and Disabled Veterans at Whitetail Ski Resort in
Mercersburg . Our lessons are for two hours and available daily
at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All lessons are by reservation only.
Again this winter we are happy to be partnering with
Adaptive Adventures and Chris Werhane to host our Fourth
Annual Warfighter Winter Sports Camp. This season we are
offering two three-day camps:
Jan. 26 to Jan. 28, 2020
Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2020
Our camp is limited to
disabled veterans along
with a spouse or care
giver, please no children
allowed. You may register at
twotopadaptive.org under
events.
Please call 717-507-7668  or email bill@twotopadaptive.org for more
information or reservations.
MULTIPLE WINTER SPORTS AT VERMONT
ADAPTIVE MULTIPLE VERMONT LOCATIONS
CHAPTER EVENTS SOUTH
35
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
30TH ANNUAL SPORTSABILITY TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA
Join Florida Disabled Outdoors Association for three days of waterskiing,
tennis, martial arts, rock climbing, SCUBA, and more at the 30th Annual
SportsAbility held by the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association! The event
will be held April 2-4, 2020. Adults and children, both with and without
disabilities are encouraged to experience hands-on recreation activities for
no cost thanks to our friends and sponsors in the community!
Families will learn about opportunities to engage in recreation
TOGETHER around the Tallahassee area. SportsAbility aims to provide
experiences and enable everyone to participate in as many or few activities
as they please. Activity providers have adaptations available to make the
games playable for everyone. Some activities include golf, art, martial arts,
SCUBA, waterskiing, boat rides, tennis, archery, biking, horseback riding,
rock wall climbing, and more!
For information and registration, visit www.fdoa.org. You
can also contact us at info@fdoa.org or (850) 201-2944.
RECREATE OR COMPETE WITH SPORTABLE RICHMOND. VIRGINIA
Don’t miss the Rising Stars Youth Wheelchair Basketball
Tournament in Richmond, Virginia Jan. 11-12, 2020. Hosted
by Sportable at Glen Allen High School, the tournament will
feature Varsity and Prep teams from throughout the East Coast.
Join Sportable’s Road Racing program this spring and get in
on race day fun at the prestigious Ukrop’s Monument Avenue
10K on March 28, 2020. Sportable athletes will join 25,000
participants on the picturesque course at one of the best races
in the country. All paces, ages, and abilities are welcome in
Sportable’s Road Racing program with wheelchair racing and
guided run/walk opportunities available.
Sportable’s winter programming also features wheelchair
rugby, youth and adult wheelchair basketball, cycling, rowing,
swimming, archery, and adaptive rock climbing.
Sportable has created opportunities and transformed the
lives of individuals with
physical disabilities
and visual impairments
through sport since
2005. The only adaptive
sports club in Central
Virginia and one of the
top Paralympic sport
clubs in the country,
Sportable provides
sporting opportunities
to more than 400
athletes by offering
a variety of competitive and recreational adaptive sports
programs.
Learn more at Sportable.org or contact
info@sportable.org or 804-340-2991.
THERAPEUTIC ADVENTURES WINTER PROGRAMS MASSANUTTEN, VIRGINIA
Adaptive skiing and snowboarding provide a great opportunity
to challenge yourself and to develop new skills. For nearly four
decades, Therapeutic Adventures has been a leader in this
effort through its Massanutten Adaptive Sports programs.
Massanutten Resort has been a leader in this effort with our
Adaptive Snow Sports programs. (2-Track, 3-Track, 4-Track,
mono-ski, bi-ski, snowboarding, guiding for blind).
MASS staff have been honored and privileged to provide
adaptive snowsports programs for persons of all ages and
abilities: physical and developmental disabilities. From our
first year of operation, we have worked with disabled heroes:
military, warfighters, and veterans who have represented our
great nation defending the freedoms we all enjoy.
All adaptive sports programs serving veterans are provided
at no cost to those who participate.
Operation Freedom Outdoors – Adaptive Snow Sports
Weekend for Disabled Military Heroes, Feb. 7-9, 2020.
Massanutten Resort is pleased to host our annual OFO-
Adaptive Snow Sports Weekend for
Disabled Military Heroes providing
adaptive instruction and guide
services, mentoring, fellowship,
reunion and personal development to
aid in the healing, rehabilitation and
re-integration.
Independence Cup – Adaptive
Snow Sports Race and Celebration of
Independence Awards ceremony, Feb.
23, 2020. Now in its 22nd year, it is the
culmination of all the fun and learning that take place on the
slopes of Massanutten. This event highlights all the hard work,
training and newfound independence that our adaptive athletes
discover on the slopes.
For more information, visit http://www.taonline.org/
CHAPTER EVENTS WEST
36 CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
HIT THE SLOPES WITH ACHIEVE TAHOE LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
Achieve Tahoe is excited to hit the slopes for a winter full
of adaptive snowsports lessons! For over fifty years, Achieve
Tahoe has been providing adaptive recreation for people with
physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. We offer adaptive
ski and snowboard lessons for all ability levels and in all adaptive
disciplines at four of Lake Tahoe’s finest ski resorts: Alpine
Meadows, Squaw Valley, Northstar, and Sugar Bowl. Each lesson
includes individualized assessment, adaptive equipment, lift
ticket, and one-to-one instruction from trained professionals and
dedicated volunteers. Our season runs from the beginning of
December through the end of April, and reservations may be made
either online or by phone starting Oct. 1.
Achieve Tahoe strives to offer exceptional service and world-
class programming for our participants. In order to meet increasing
demand, we have expanded our lesson offerings by 50% this season.
If the lifts are turning, we’re on the snow! In partnership with the
University of Utah, Achieve Tahoe is fortunate to offer TetraSki
lessons. The TetraSki is the first sit-ski that can be controlled by
either joystick and/or breath control, offering independent turns
and speed control for skiers with complex physicalities. Check out
the TetraSki in action here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJwy9DIf-
xE. Staying true to our roots, Achieve Tahoe proudly serves
veterans by offering a series of adaptive military snowsports camps
throughout the winter.
For more information, please call us at 530-581-4161 x6, email us at
info@achievetahoe.org, or visit our website at achievetahoe.org.
WINTER VACATION WITH THE ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM, NEW
MEXICO SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Are you planning on taking a winter vacation this year? If so,
consider coming to Santa Fe, New Mexico and enjoy the many
views of the Southwest and get in some stellar skiing at Ski
Santa Fe with the Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico. Enjoy
an adaptive ski or snowboard lesson from two of our amazing
ski instructor volunteers. We custom fit your lesson with two
instructors, your lift ticket, adaptive equipment needed, and
most of all, tons of fun. Lessons are $100 for a 2-hour lesson
or $150 for a 4-hour lesson. We schedule individual lessons all
season long, starting in December and ending in March. New
Mexico is truly the Land of Enchantment and you will not
be disappointed in the many sightseeing landmarks or the
amazing cuisine of New Mexico. 
 If you are local to the area, we also have a 6-week ski
program where you can pick a ski day
and join us for 6 ski lessons. Ski days
are Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at
Ski Santa Fe and Saturday and Sunday
at Sandia Peak. The program will begin
Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. We also have a
Disabled Veterans Ski Camp that will
start Feb. 8, 2019. If you are a disabled
Veteran and would like to join us for three Fridays of FREE
skiing please come and join us. (Transportation not provided)
If you would like any further information please contact Jason Cline
at 505-570-5710 or jcline@aspnm.org.
“Go outside and play!” Most people have heard that at least
once, and thanks to the programs and proximity at the United
States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC), they can do just
that.
Entering its fourth decade of redefining the concept of
limitations, USARC provides affordable opportunities for
millions of people to feel the freedom of gliding down snowy
trails without having to drive half a day or more!
USARC’s unassailable heritage includes having influenced
and mentored other programs and providers in the
establishment and provision of their services. That same
template for success remains in place at USARC, a member
school of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)
and contributor to PSIA’s cornerstone adaptive manual.
Ultimately, perhaps no credentials are as important as
USARC’s commitment to access, a concept that applies as much
to program fees as it does to the latest adaptive ski equipment.
A recent survey showed USARC’s fees to
be lower than any comparable regional
program!
In addition to a partial scholarship as
part of its low cost, every full-day or half-
day lesson includes private instruction,
equipment and lift ticket from December
through March. Groups of ten or more
from organizations serving people with
disabilities may qualify for lower rates.
“Walk-in” or “roll-in” athletes are
welcome but, with a large population base and high demand,
early reservations are highly recommended!
For reservations, please call 909-584-0269, whereas other questions can be
answered at www.usarc.org or by email at mail@usarc.org.
THRILLS AND CHILLS FOR KIDS AND KIDS-AT-HEART!
BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA
CHAPTER EVENTS WEST
37
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
WINTER FUN IN CALIFORNIA’S EASTERN SIERRA MAMMOTH LAKES,
CALIFORNIA
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) is gearing up for another
exciting winter in the mountains. With daily lessons in a variety of
sports including alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing,
and biathlon, adaptive athletes of all ages with any disability can
pursue outdoor sports and adventures with DSES. This year, DSES’s
PSIA and AASI trained instructors look forward to helping more
athletes discover the freedom and thrill of winter sports on the
incredible terrain at Mammoth Mountain.
Reservations are required for daily lessons. Please visit www.
disabledsportseasternsierra.org or call 760.934.0791 for more
information.
As the Paralympic Sport Club of Mammoth Lakes, DSES offers
opportunities for high altitude training and hosts a series of
Paralympic sports camps throughout the year. This winter’s Alpine
Ski and Race Camp, Jan. 22-Feb. 2, offers four days of on snow
training in alpine ski racing techniques and tactics for adaptive
skiers with intermediate and higher skills. DSES also supports
athletes interested in the serenity and athletic challenge of cross-
country skiing with two Nordic specific camps. Feb. 20-23 DSES
welcomes cross-country skiers of any level to three full days of on
snow training in our Nordic
Ski Camp. Athletes can further
improve their cross-country
skills in our March 18-22
Biathlon Camp which is open
to intermediate and above
Nordic skiers and includes
entry into the incredible
Mammoth Biathlon. Mono
skiers of any skill level can join us March 6-8 for two full days of all
mountain training, including a pre-camp fitting session, during our
Mono Ski Madness.
For some early season thrills, Dec. 17-22 Mammoth Mountain
and DSES will be hosting World Para Alpine Super G races as well
as NORAM Giant Slalom and Slalom races. Come see top athletes
compete and get in some early turns.
Space is limited! For more information about winter sports
camps or Paralympic training opportunities, contact info@
disabledsportseasternsierra.org, or call 760-934-0791.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA ADAPTIVE SPORTS TUCSON, ARIZONA
Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports (SAAS) in Tucson continues to
expand competitive and recreational opportunities for community
members with disabilities who want to be active, enjoy camaraderie,
build their skills and try something new.
SAAS, based in Tucson, Arizona, added softball to its program
over the summer and, in partnership with the University of Arizona
Adaptive Athletics department, fielded a team at the World Series
of Wheelchair Softball in Kansas City in August.
Wheelchair basketball is available to players of all levels, from the
JAWS program for youth, to Tucson Lobos teams in Division 1 and
Division 3, to folks who are just starting out. We have two practice
locations and welcome new players. Paralympic Sports Fest Oct. 26
featured three games, plus wheelchair fencing, tennis, handcycling
and golf exhibitions.
SAAS Wheelchair tennis has been busy with weekly practices,
and a Tennis Run & Roll event is planned for Dec. 8.
Handcycling continues to be popular, and as the Tucson summer
cools off we anticipate the usual uptick in the number of folks who
want to try out the different cycles and routes.
Learn more about Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports at www.
soazadaptivesports.org and through Facebook at https://www.facebook.
com/accessibletucson/
The Achievers is an Orange County, California, based adaptive ski
and snow sports organization and DSUSA chapter that teaches
on the world renowned slopes of Mammoth Mountain in Central
California, along the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Our instructors range from hard-working volunteers to PSIA Level
2 certified experts. Our home mountain is one of the best resorts in
the world with thousands of feet of vertical, has hundreds of days
per season with blue-bird perfect weather, and often has more than
50 feet of snowfall at the peak! 50 FEET!!
We are in need of some wonderful volunteers and ski instructors
to add to the team. If you want to make a difference and have fun
while doing it The Achievers is the organization to be part of! We
work hard for our students and have a lot of fun.
Volunteers do not need to have any
experience – we train up our new team
members! If you already know how to ski or
snowboard, fantastic, and if you have experience in occupational
therapy, physical therapy, or are a teacher or instructor, even better!
(EXPERIENCE NOT REQUIRED.)
If interested in joining The Achievers as a volunteer or
instructor, please contact Greg at 949-463-6678 or our membership
chairperson, Karen, at teamlunz@gmail.com.
SKI MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN WITH THE ACHIEVERS

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CALIFORNIA
For more information on The Achievers please feel free to find us on our
website at http://theachievers.org.
THE hartford
WWW.SKISPEC.ORG
DECEMBER 9 – 15, 20
19
PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
• Daily Ski & Snowboard Lessons
• Week-long Alpine Ski, Snowboard
& Nordic Ski Race Camp
• Daily PSIA/AASI Continuing Education Clinics
• Adaptive Equipment Demonstrations
• Free Sled Hockey, Nordic, Biathlon,
and Wheelchair Curling
PRESENTED BY
CONDUCTED BY
SKI SPECTACULAR
39
CHALLENGE
WINTER 2019
MARKETPLACE
Do you dream of joining an Outrigger Canoe or Dragon Boat Club, or paddling
into the wilderness to catch a wily trout? The One-Arm Freedom™ flatwater
canoe paddle is for you.
Our one-arm technology allows you to propel your own craft or join a team!
Universally designed to meet the needs of individuals or programs, the paddle
accommodates left or right hand use and different arm and torso lengths. The
One-Arm Freedom™ is used in all styles of flatwater canoeing from recreation
to racing and solo to team paddling. For more information or to place an order,
visit https://DillenschneiderDesigns.com.
ONE-ARM FREEDOM™ CANOE PADDLE
To provide the best support for an
active, young athlete, Ottobock has
developed the 3R67 knee joint for
children which features powerful
swing phase control, a large flexion
angle, and a high level of stability.
The joint’s sophisticated hydraulics
support easy movements, making
it especially suitable for children
and young users. To learn about the
3R67, please talk to your sales rep,
visit www.ottobockus.com, or call
800-328-4058
3R67™ KNEE JOINT EXCEPTIONAL
SUPPORT FOR ACTIVE CHILDREN
The AllPro foot from Fillauer
crosses all boundaries,
combining high flexibility
and dynamic performance
into a foot that allows the user
to work and play like a pro.
Whether walking on a flat
surface or traversing steep
hills, the AllPro performs
to meet multiaxial needs. If
exercise or sports are on your
activity list, this “do-it-all” foot easily transitions from the gym to
the tennis and basketball courts, as well as the soccer, football, and
lacrosse fields. Play like a pro!
FILLAUER’S ALLPRO FOOT
For many in military hospitals,
Motion Control’s ETD is the
first choice hand replacement
for function and versatility.
The ETD is the only device that
achieves true resistance against
water, dirt, dust, and grease. The
next generation ETD2 is now
available in white in addition
to black. A U.S. Department of
Defense contract, awarded to
Motion Control of Salt Lake
City, Utah, partially funded
development of the ETD2
and wrist system. For more
information, 801-326-3434 or visit fillauer.com/etd2.
MOTION CONTROL’S NEXT
GENERATION ETD2 IN WHITE
photo credit for our Marketplace ad: Jessica DiRusso.
Q’STRAINT’S QLK-150 boasts
features and options you won't
find in any other system: more
ground clearance, a seamless
dash control, an advanced
stabilizer, and much more.
QLK-150 is the perfect solution
for mobility users who drive
their own vehicle or want to
quickly secure their wheelchair.
And, along with a complete
lineup of brackets for today’s
most popular wheelchairs, QLK-150 is the only docking system with
a range of exclusive brackets for chairs that can only be secured with
the QLK-150. Learn more: www.qstraint.com/qlk-150.
THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED
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In the gym, at the park, or on the trail… the EASY RUN
blade by Proteor USA is the perfect foot to get you moving.
With its all-terrain, all-weather, curved fiberglass blade design, and anti-slip
Vibram® Sole… you can take your EASY RUN workout outside with confidence.
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