Tahoe Mountain Sports Blog Contributor and avid skier, Kirsten Alburg, had the opportunity to be a part of the 25th Annual Hartford Ski Spectacular at Beaver Run Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado this past December 2-9th. Today she gives us a summary of this life-changing event.
The Event
Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) hosted the 25th annual The Hartford Ski Spectacular at Beaver Run Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado. The eight-day event was the nation’s largest winter sports event for individuals with physical disabilities. More than 800 participants, ranging in ability from first-time skiers to members of the U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing National Team and more than 160 wounded warriors and their families came together in Breckenridge.
The Hartford Ski Spectacular strengthens and expands adaptive snow sports programs in communities throughout the U.S.; identifies and trains youth, wounded warriors, and others with disabilities including those who strive to be winter Paralympians; and helps local DSUSA chapters improve their services. A week of ski and snowboard race training, sponsored by U.S. Paralympics, prepares athletes for national and international competitions, including the upcoming 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
Partnerships
The goal of partnerships with DSUSA and U.S. Paralympics is to increase awareness about the achievement that’s possible when you focus on ability versus disability. Inspiration is everywhere!
Many Different Programs
The Professional Ski Instructors of America – American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) is offered training for instructors in the latest and safest adaptive ski techniques for skiers with disabilities. “Learn to” programs in alpine and Nordic skiing, biathlon, sled hockey, curling and snowboarding were also offered.
What It’s Really All About
Some people think that this is just another ski event but it’s about so much more than skiing – It is life-changing! The relationships, the smiles, the positive energy, the mentors, and the exposure to sports for people with physical disabilities are what it’s really all about!
