Loading ...
Global Do...
Causes & Non-profits
Move United Magazine
30
0
Try Now
Log In
Pricing
MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021 VOLUME 26 | NUMBER 3 EXPLORE WINTER ON SKIS Page 6 WHEELCHAIR CURLING: FINESSE, STRATEGY, AND TEAMWORK Page 15 With clinically proven safety and comfort features, C-Leg is the most preferred microprocessor knee in the world. Why? Because your quality of life is our highest priority. For reliability you can count on and a relentless dedication to innovation, trust Ottobock to be your partner for life. Life is better with a partner you know you can trust. C-Leg® Trusted. For good reason. 7/21 ©2021 Ottobock HealthCare, LP, All rights reserved. Request a C-Leg trial at ottobockus.com/c-leg4 210701-Ottobock-CLeg-PrintAd-Rushel-B2C-9000x10875-Amplitude_PRINT.indd 1 01.07.21 14:50 Save today for a better tomorrow Tax-advantaged savings accounts that won’t impact certain disability benef its Call 1-844-NOW-ABLE or visit ABLEnow.com to obtain information on the program. Seek the advice of a professional concerning any financial, tax,legal or federal or state benefit implications related to opening and maintaining an ABLEnow account. Participating in ABLEnow involves investment risk including the possible loss of principal. ABLEnow is administered by Virginia College Savings Plan. For non-Virginia residents: other states may sponsor an ABLE plan that oers state tax or other benefits not available through ABLEnow. © 2021 Virginia College Savings Plan. All Rights Reserved. ABLEnow.com Enter to win $500 toward ABLEnow at ABLEnow.com/win See website for details and ocial rules 4 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED CONTENTS 6 5 Perspective 6 Exploring the Winter Countryside on Skis 10 Thank You Sponsors 12 Warfighter Kyle Moxley Aiming for 2022 Winter Paralympics 15 Wheelchair Curling: A Sport of Finesse, Strategy, and Teamwork 17 Enjoy High-Quality Adaptive Fitness Classes Through New OnDemand Fitness Program 18 Move United Elite Team Athlete Blake Eaton Has a Need for Speed 20 Join the Movement 23 Around the Country 30 Take Part in a Move United Sanctioned Competition 31 Marketplace © 2021 by Move United. All rights reserved. Articles may not be reprinted in part or in whole without written permission from Move United. Cover photo of Paralympic Gold Medalist Dan Cnossen Cover photo by Wheelchair Sports Federation 15 18 VOLUME 26 | NUMBER 3 WINTER 2021 | 5 MOVE UNITED Although Move United is focused on adaptive sport and its impact on the disability community, and despite the pandemic, much was accomplished in 2021: • $2.7 million in grant support to 100 member organizations in 37 states • The Inclusion Playbook reached 150,000 youth, changing disability perspectives • Move United’s membership grew by 30 organizations, network now within 50 miles of 74% of U.S. population • Creation of Move United Sanctioned Competitions, more than 20 competitive events held across the nation • An audience of 290,000 engaged in our virtual AdaptAtHome fitness programs during Covid-19 • Our new OnDemand digital platform delivers adaptive sports to anyone, anywhere • The USA Wheelchair Football season launched with nine teams We have been busy delivering new opportunities to our community, and one of the goals of this magazine is to introduce readers to new sports. Sports with new adaptive opportunities, some you haven’t tried, and others that weren’t on your radar. To that end, check out the sport of wheelchair curling, on page 15. The sport will be played at the 2022 Paralympic Games in Beijing. Once you understand the lingo, you will discover that it is really fun to play. How about cross country skiing? It has great fitness benefits that you can do without any intention of competing in it. Cross country skiing is a great way to get out there, be active, and enjoy the outdoors. Of course, if you want to compete in that sport you can. It too is a Paralympic sport that you will see at this year’s winter games. Read more about it on page 6. Another type of skiing is alpine skiing and Move United Warfighters Ambassador Kyle Moxley loves it. He is eligible to compete in China and we hope he will be one of the many Team USA athletes we will be cheering on. You can get to know him by checking out his story on page 12. And while we are highlighting skiers, we’d thought we would introduce you to Move United Elite Team Member Blake Eaton, a monoskier who also has Paralympic aspirations someday. Check him out page 18. Many of Move United’s 202 member organizations offer some type of winter sports programming. Winter’s a great time to renew your interest in sports and try something new. At the back of this issue, you can find your nearest location and upcoming events or activities that are offered by them all across the country. Regards, Glenn Merry, Executive Director Move United Move United Magazine (ISSN 1940-526X) is published three times a year by Move United, Inc., 451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 608, Rockville, MD 20850 Subscriptions are available free of charge. Visit moveunitedsport.org/magazine to sign up. Editorial Director: Shuan Butcher, sbutcher@moveunitedsport.org For address updates, call 240-268-2180. Advertising inquiries: Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Patty Johnson, 800-969-0200 ext 103 patty@rspr.com Move United Board: John Blossom (President), Will Reynolds (Vice President), Keri Serota (Secretary), Alexander Garner, Marya Propis, Nicole Roundy, Ed Bronsdon, Lori High, Eric Kuwana, Phyllis Bayer, Clayton Frech, and Joe Walsh PErSPECTivE 6 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED Sometimes winter gets a bad rap. For some individuals, the season can be cold and dreary. Not to mention it gets dark earlier. Move United Elite Team Alum Grace Miller, who represented Team USA at the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, is from Alaska. “Alaska is so dark and skiing gives me a reason to be outside. Plus, it has snow like sixty percent of the time,” she said. There are plenty of reasons and plenty of opportunities to be outside. If you are someone that likes being outdoors but may not like alpine skiing, you should give cross country a try. “I like being in nature and I also enjoy the physical excursion,” Miller said. Six-time Paralympic Medalist and Warfighter Dan Cnossen agrees. “I love being outside and in the woods, being around mountains,” Cnossen said. “There is something about covering ground and moving. But there is also something about the tranquility and sense of quiet.” For Move United Elite Team Member Lera Doederlein, who was invited to train at the Cross Cut Mountain Sports Center in Bozeman, Montana, which serves as the home base for the U.S. Paralympics Nordic Ski Team, cross country skiing provides the feeling of flying. “Gliding through the snow on a fast downhill and you catch some speed — it doesn’t matter what else is going on in the world, to me that is all the excitement that I would ever hope for.” EXPLOriNG THE WiNTEr COUNTrYSiDE ON SKiS: The Sport of Cross Country Skiing Photos courtesy of Wheelchair Sports Federation WINTER 2021 | 7 MOVE UNITED Continued on page 8 >> OVERVIEW Recreationally, cross country skiing is a great activity to do solo or with others. There is typically an easier entry point for this sport than alpine skiing. For example, you can often enjoy this activity without needing to purchase lift tickets or pay other mountain resort fees. Cross country skiing also varies from alpine skiing in another major way. Instead of relying on the grade of a mountain slope to propel you, cross country skiers rely on their own movement to traverse the landscape. You can also partake in the activity in various settings, including natural terrain or groomed courses specifically designed for cross country skiing. Depending on the terrain, you also may utilize one of two techniques, including classic cross country skiing or skate skiing. EQUIPMENT NEEDED In addition to having the proper winter clothing, the basic equipment that one would need to go alpine skiing would also be needed to go cross country. The gear and equipment needs are modest. You can purchase your own equipment or find a Nordic Center or other program that offers or rents the items you must have. BethAnn Chamberlain, the Paralympic Development Coach at the U.S. Biathlon Association, suggests three basic pieces of equipment, including skis, boots, and poles. Skis: Cross country skis are usually lighter and narrower than those used in alpine skiing. But not all cross country skis are the same. Options also exist if you prefer to use the classic technique or skate technique. And others may be available if you want to go out in the backcountry. Boots: Just like alpine skiing, you will need boots that affix to the skis. Poles: Ski poles assist with balance and movement. ADAPTATIONS Cross country skiing can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Chamberlain suggests that various adaptations exist, depending on one’s disability. “It doesn’t matter what else is going on in the world, to me that is all the excitement that I would ever hope for.” 8 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED Those with lower-leg amputations can either cross country ski standing up or via a seated position. Skiers with an arm amputation or limited grip may choose to not use poles or just one ski pole, as opposed to two poles. Another option is to ski from a seated position, using a sit-ski. A sit-ski is a chair that is equipped with a traditional pair of skis and has seat belts and other strapping to secure the skier to it. “For those that are visually impaired, a guide is essential to help you navigate the terrain,” Chamberlain said. “The guide may also use a voice amplifier to allow the skier to follow the sound easier.” FROM RECREATIONAL TO COMPETITION Cross country skiing is a popular activity to get out and enjoy the outdoors while also getting some exercise. But some athletes decide to take their interest and passion in the sport to the next level. A few years ago, Miller came to a realization. “Yeah, I can compete (at the highest level), I just need to train harder.” In January 2017, she attended an athlete identification camp where she met Chamberlain and she hasn’t looked back since. Cnossen was also introduced to the sport at camp in November 2010. He went to the Paralympics in Sochi and 2014 and then represented Team USA again in South Korea four years later, where he earned one gold, four silver, and one bronze medal. He is training for the 2022 games in China. “Cross country is a humbling sport,” Cnossen said. It takes a lot of commitment. It is a lot of time and effort.” When it comes to training, Cnossen primarily focuses on three things: endurance, power, and dialing in the equipment. “It is definitely an endurance sport,” Chamberlain said. “It is always a challenge. You almost have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.” When it comes to training, Chamberlain suggests spending as much time out on the snow in the winter. In the summer, you can do dry land training or get out and handcycle or run. “Focus on long, slow distances and strength training.” In a competition, tracks are set ahead of time. “Sometimes it makes sense to be in them and sometimes it doesn’t, “Chamberlain said. “You want to create the least amount of work for you.” So, learning when to utilize the tracks for your benefit comes with practice over time. At the international competition level, there are three athlete categories: standing, sitting, and visual impairments. Some seated skiers will have full use of their core and some won’t have any use of their core. In the visual impairments category, some athletes may be required to wear blackout goggles in order to even playing field. “Although there is a team element to cross country skiing in competition, it is an individualized sport as well. “You get to compete against other people, but you are also competing against yourself to become a better athlete every day,” Doederlein said. WHERE? Something worth noting: cross country skiing is sometimes intertwined with Nordic skiing. The latter, however, encompasses the sport and activity of cross country skiing as well as biathlon, according to Chamberlain. You can check out the U.S. Para Nordic website for a list of sites near you. Cnossen suggests there are great places to enjoy cross country skiing in the United States. So get out there and give it a try. Over 30 Move United member organizations offer Nordic skiing activities. To find one near you, visit moveunitedsport.org/locations and search by sport. This is at the heart of what human achievement is all about. We believe that with the right team, technology and support, people can achieve amazing things. And our Human Achievement programs help support people in reaching their full potential. WE BELIEVE WHEN YOU’RE WILLING TO PUSH BOUNDARIES YOU CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS. The Hartford® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Hartford Fire Insurance Company. Its headquarters is in Hartford, CT. 21-BD-905013 © October 2021 The Hartford TheHartford.com/about-us/ability-equipped 10 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED Diamond Platinum Move United Thanks Our Sponsors for Their Generous Support! GRANT RECIPIENT WINTER 2021 | 11 MOVE UNITED Gold Silver AES Global Insurance Alston & Bird LLP AMWINS Group Anthem Life Arthur J Gallagher Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center Birdies for the Brave Breckenridge Ski and Sports Burns & Wilcox Capital Bank Charities Aid Foundation America DAV Charitable Service Trust Everest Re Gallagher Bassett Gibson Dunn Goodwin Procter Greenberg Traurig Jackson Lewis John's Day Bridge Society Lewis Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith, LLP Lockheed Martin Mullen Coughlin O’Melveny & Meyers LLP PG Genatt Group Robert Wood Johnson Foundation RT Specialty Security Scorecard Sedgwick Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom Swiss Re America Holding Corporation Truist Insurance Holdings May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust Dumbarton Strategies Move United Thanks Our Sponsors for Their Generous Support! 12 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED WArFiGHTEr KYLE MOXLEY AiMiNG FOr 2022 WiNTEr PArALYMPiC GAMES Growing up, retired Army Specialist Kyle Moxley was not an athletic person. “I definitely was not a sports guy.” After graduating from high school, he didn’t know what he wanted to do and thought the military was a way to figure that out. “I wanted to get out of where I was at that time and help me find my way in life.” So at 17 years old, he joined the U.S. Army Infantry. He picked Hawaii and Germany as his preferred duty stations. “They sent me to Alaska instead,” where he spent five years before being reassigned to Fort Riley. Six months after arriving there, Moxley would be deployed to Iraq. In 2004, about seven months into that deployment and while on a routine patrol, a roadside bomb blew his vehicle completely off the road. “Shrapnel went through my arm pit and severed nerves and the artery.” He would need to be revived twice. As part of a limb salvage effort during his rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, the medical team used nerves out of his right leg to insert into his right artery. The procedure, which took about 10 hours was new at the time. “I was one of the first to get that done. But if it would save my arm I was willing to try it. I still have my arm today, so it seemed to work.” Recovery was long and painful, with about a year of physical therapy. “I lost most of the feeling in my right arm and lost use of my wrist and the majority of my hand. My leg and foot was compromised as well.” At that time, Moxley was focused on trying to stay in the Army and was going through that process. When that didn’t materialize, Moxley decided to move to Montana and work on getting a degree as part of his vocational rehabilitation, as part of the next step in his journey. He would study business, focusing on marketing and project management. For five years, while completing his higher education, including a master’s degree, Moxley worked as a special education para professional. “My mentality is that I want to face my challenges and one of those was PTSD. It was something I could focus on other than my injury and myself. When you are focusing on others, you don’t have to deal with yourself.” Moxley moved to Colorado seven years ago. He walked into the VA to check in and saw something on the wall that was advertising a ski event, which directed interested parties to see the facility’s recreational therapist. “I thought recreational therapy, hmm, I love recreation so let’s do some therapy.” The advertisement was for the VA Winter Sports Clinic, which is a week-long event where you can learn how to ski and participate in other activities. Moxley went and loved it! “After I was injured, I was kind of confused. I didn’t know what to fall back on and I didn’t have anything to fall back on. I wanted to try and do everything in order to see what I could still do.” So he tried different sports. “Each new sport led me to know what my true abilities were. I was able to narrow down what I wanted to do.” He started skiing in winter and kayaking in the summer through Team River Runner, a Move United member organization. “I settled on skiing because it freed my mind. WINTER 2021 | 13 MOVE UNITED You have a minute and a half maximum and nothing is going on in your head except how to get down the hill. Move United invited Moxley to attend the annual Ski Spectacular event in Breckenridge, Colorado. He would take up ski racing there. “I liked skiing, but I wanted to go faster. I wanted to learn more control.” “It (ski racing) is an adrenaline rush. It stops my mind from thinking while I am on the hill. I’m just skiing. I’m focusing on going from gate to gate, how the snow feels, and the temperature outside. I’m not worried about what happened in the past or all the bad things. All I see is sunshine and snow and that is what I focus on.” This is Moxley’s sixth season racing. The first year was spent at race camps in Breckenridge, Aspen and other places. It is fifth year on the Paralympic circuit. He would also connect with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), another Move United member organization. He was classified in alpine skiing and has been competing ever since. “It is a family there. The coaches are great here - we mainly have to focus on skiing and having fun.” Currently, Moxley is ranked sixth in the nation. “I’d love to step that up, but there is some great competition. Last year brought some challenges with training and travel has been limited due to the pandemic. “We did four races this year, instead of six to eight. We weren’t 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. r to partner with Move United o raise awreness and funds for wounded veterans in their Move United Wafighters program. ADVENTURES WITHOUT BOUNDARIES MT. CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO Exceptional year-round outdoor adventure-based activities for people with disabilities, inclusive to family and friends. Scholarships available. www.AdaptiveSports.org | 970-349-2296 Ski F Snowboard F Climb F Bike F Hike F Watersports 14 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED able to go to some usual spots like California or Canada.” He was also breaking in new skis and boots, which has required some additional adjustments. From a training perspective, Moxley is working on improving control. “I am concentrating on what my muscles are doing or how my feet are moving and how I work on that on the snow. My right side is very weak and unpredictable.” He is already qualified for the Paralympics in Slalom and Super G, but the U.S. Team can only take so many athletes, so that may determine if Moxley has the opportunity to compete in Tokyo. “I’m always fighting for a spot on the team.” Last year, he did get a 3rd place in Park City at the Huntsman Cup. The advice he gives, as well as follows: “Don’t quit. Never quit. Stay out of your own head — that is what I have to do a lot. Keep moving forward.” As a Move United Warfighters Ambassador, this past year Moxley had the opportunity to get his alpine coaching license to teach ski racing. “I can’t wait to be able to give back after I’m done competing.” ROBUST. CUSTOM. FUNCTIONAL PROSTHESES. For more information: (888) 977-6693 | (360) 915-9724 | fax (360) 918-8619 info@npdevices.com or visit npdevices.com © 2021 Naked Prosthetics. All rights reserved. npdevices.com Koa wears one MCPDriver and three Griplock Fingers. WINTER 2021 | 15 MOVE UNITED There is a sport that mesmerizes players as well as spectators alike. Once you’ve seen it, or played it for the first time, you are hooked. Wheelchair curling looks like an easy or simple game. But it is not. “It is a game of strategy,” said Marc DePerno, team leader for USA Wheelchair Curling and an occupational therapist at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center, a Move United member organization based in Utica, New York. “It is a fun game and you are always learning.” ABOUT THE SPORT The objective of the game, like many games, is to score points. Two teams of four players each (with one alternate) square off on a sheet of ice, throwing or sliding a 42-pound granite stone (or rock) from one end to the other. “Some have equated it to shuffleboard on ice,” DePerno said. Once you get a grasp of the terminology used in the sport, you are already on your way to play the game. A player on one team will throw his or her rocks down the sheet of ice towards the house, or target area. A device, called a delivery stick, is used to assist with this action. Then a player on the opposite team pushes theirs in the same direction and so on, alternating between the teams. Only one team can score in each end. A team gets one point for each of its rocks that are closer to the button (or target) than the other team. In theory, a team could earn one point or up to eight points. There are eight ends to a game, so each player will end up throwing 16 times. A match typically lasts two hours. STRATEGY AT PLAY “It is a niche sport,” said Paralympian Steve Emt. “You can’t beat it (the sport). You can master other sports. But here, WHEELCHAir CUrLiNG: A Sport of Finesse, Strategy, and Teamwork Bonspiel: A curling tournament. Button: The innermost circle of target area. The button is usually one foot in diameter. Curl: The rotating movement of a stone caused by turning the handle. Delivery: The act of throwing a rock. End: A single round in the game. An end is complete when all sixteen rocks (eight per team) have been thrown. Hit: A rock intended to collide with another rock. House: The round scoring area, 12 feet in diameter, with concentric circles. Rink: A curling team that consists of four players: the skip, third (vice-skip), second, and lead. Also refers to the place where curling is played. Rock: Stone. Sheet: The 146-foot-long area of the ice on which the game is played. Skip: The player who calls the ice and determines the strategy. Almost always plays the last two rocks for his team (but may throw in a different order in some games). Takeout: A type of shot that removes another rock from play. Tee: The center point of the house. Weight: The amount of force applied to a rock to move it down the ice. SAMPLE GLOSSARY OF TERMS 16 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED every shot is different.” A number of factors impact how each game is played and how each stone is thrown or delivered. It might be the condition of the ice that impacts the speed of the rock. “There is math and physics involved,” Emt said. Teams can either play offense and focus on scoring points or focus on eliminating their opponent’s points and play defense. There are primarily two shots used. A draw is a finesse shot intended to land in a specific place, according to DePerno. A takeout is a heater that is thrown fast and, as its name suggests, is intended to take one of your opponent’s stones out of play or contention. The advantage goes to the team that throws last. “You want to be the last stone,” Emt said. ADAPTIVE COMPONENT Wheelchair curling is a sport that can be played by individuals with various disabilities. “It is not as physically demanding as other sports,” DePerno said. Teams are also mixed gender. There are no specific modifications made to the wheelchair. No special tires or tread used. However, the use of wheelchair brakes is mandatory when on the ice. In terms of how the sport may differ from the able-bodied version, Emt offers two primary differences. First, players deliver from the seated position. Second, your team doesn’t sweep (an act of using a brush to polish the ice to hopefully get better results). “Otherwise, it is the same club and the same sheet of ice. You can curl with anyone, able-bodied or not.” TIME TO BONSPIEL Curling is a social activity but does have physical and mental benefits as well. For those who want to compete, curling tournaments, or bonspiels, are hosted by local curling clubs throughout the United States and around the globe. Wheelchair curling is also a Paralympic sport and requires special attention for those who want to compete at the elite level. For Emt, he practices five days a week on the ice. But since it is also a mental sport, Emt works on his mental game and does practice meditation. GET ON THE ICE There are 200 curling clubs across the country, according to DePerno. Although it started out with a concentration in the northeast and upper Midwest, curling clubs can now be found from Florida to California. Many offer an adaptive program. If they don’t, then suggest one. To find a program near you, visit usa.curling.org/member-clubs. There are approximately a dozen Move United member organization that offer the sport. You can find those locations at moveunitedsport.org/locations and search curling. U.S. PARALYMPIC CURLING ATHLETE IDENTIFICATION CAMP DENVER, CO | MAY 9-11, 2022 THE NATION'S PREMIER PARALYMPIC CURLING CAMP! FREE PARTICIPATION - TRAVEL, LODGING & MEALS INCLUDED LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 1, 2022 INSTRUCTION BY MEMBERS OF 2022 NATIONAL TEAM & STAFF CONTACT: MARC DEPERNO AT MARC.DEPERNO@USACURLING.ORG - 315.292.3520 RESERVED FOR PARALYMPIANS AND HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES FROM OTHER SPORTS WINTER 2021 | 17 MOVE UNITED Move United has launched a new digital fitness platform, Move United OnDemand (“OnDemand”), in partnership with The Hartford. OnDemand offers specialized adaptive sports fitness classes, making training available anytime, from anywhere for individuals with disabilities at all fitness and ability levels. “This is a first of its kind inclusive fitness platform designed specifically for individuals with disabilities,” said Move United Executive Director Glenn Merry. “Move United’s OnDemand fitness platform meets the athletes where they are and challenges them, whether they work out seated, need audio cues or recurring instruction. We believe that sport makes us more, and OnDemand invites every person with a disability to engage in that process.” Youth and adults with disabilities can log into OnDemand to work out with some of the country’s best adaptive fitness instructors who are experts in fitness, disability and adaptations, such as world champions and Team Hartford Athletes Keith Gabel and Megan Blunk. “As a leading disability insurer, The Hartford has a long-held belief that sports are an important part of recovery following a disabling illness or injury,” said The Hartford’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Claire Burns. “We are on a mission to increase access to adaptive sports and are pleased to partner with Move United to offer a free, engaging, virtual fitness option in addition to our events and equipment donations.” OnDemand can supplement an athlete’s in-person workouts or allow athletes who don’t have access to in-person adaptive fitness training to stay healthy and fit. Athletes can select workouts based on needed adaptations, class time, or fitness area of interest. Users can take classes in Cardio, HIIT, Strength, Yoga, Dance, and Stretching and Recovery. More than 35 classes, ranging from 10 to 45 minutes in length, are now available with more content added regularly. The program is provided free of charge thanks to support from The Hartford. In addition, the first 500 registrants will receive a free fit kit that includes workout equipment. In just the first month, over 500 classes had been accessed online. To learn more, visit www.moveunitedsport.org/ondemand. ENJOY HiGH-QUALiTY ADAPTivE FiTNESS CLASSES THrOUGH NEW ONDEMAND FiTNESS PrOGrAM “Sports are an important part of recovery following a disabling illness or injury” 18 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED Blake Eaton has been on the slopes since he was 3 years old when he started out bi-skiing. Representatives from Courage Kenny, a Move United member organization in Duluth, Minnesota, had been encouraging his parents to have him come and try different sports they offered. When he was 8, they suggested he should give the monoski a try. “The rest is history,” Eaton said. He didn’t pick it up right away. He would attend a three- day mono ski camp offered at Spirit Mountain, his home mountain in Duluth. “It took half a season or so to get me off the bunny slope,” he said. In 2017, Eaton attended his first Ski Spectacular when he was 13 years old. “The first year was for fun and to see if I would like the race aspect.” He did. “I decided I could have a future in this and saw myself doing this down the line, so I picked up the training and racing.” Last year, he competed in the Huntsman Cup in Park City, Utah, and got classified there.” He would also compete in one GS (Giant Slalom) race at Nationals held in Winter Park. He’s also been training two or three nights a week with an able-bodied club and raced with them as well. A senior in high school, Eaton is exploring attending Denver University next year, which would allow him to continue skiing in Colorado during the winter season. Of course, if you are interested in ski racing, it is more than just a winter sport. Training takes place year round. In the winter, Eaton also plays sled hockey with the Minnesota Wild, a a sport he started playing when he was 10 years old. “A buddy of mine wanted me to get into it.” MOvE UNiTED ELiTE TEAM ATHLETE BLAKE EATON HAS A NEED FOr SPEED WINTER 2021 | 19 MOVE UNITED The team practices every Sunday and he makes a two-hour drive down and back to Minneapolis to do so, but it’s worth it. “It’s fun to be a part of a team-like atmosphere. I also like the physical contact and how fast it is.” Hockey also helps with upper body strength and endurance. In fact, it was pretty much all hockey until he transitioned into ski racing. Since both are winter sports, there are times he may have to miss a practice or two for skiing or vice versa. In the spring, Eaton shifts his attention to track and field, which is also great cross training. He started wheelchair racing when he was in the seventh grade and then joined his high school’s track team. He competes in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 800 meter. They also have the mile and two-mile race. “I’ve done the mile once,” he said. But he prefers short distance and sprints. “Like downhill skiing, I like to go out as hard as I can as fast as I can.” Unfortunately, there is not a lot of competition at the state level. “I may be by myself this year in my class. But there are more competitors in other events.” Hopefully that will change. Eaton considers the summer his off season. He likes spending time with his family and friends, biking, rowing, and other outdoor activities.” Then it’s time again to focus on skiing. When it comes to skiing, it is about the speed and the feeling of the wind. But for Eaton it’s more than that. “It is also the feeling that I’m just as good if not better than anyone else on the hill,” he said. “Also being able to do it independently … it is freeing. It has helped me discover who I am and also let loose I guess.” During the pandemic, Eaton did miss a full season of track. But he was able to ski with the local race club. He also worked out from home and attended virtual biking classes with Courage Kenny, that for a time was offered almost daily. But now he is focused on training and advancing his skills. Winter training on the hill typically happens two or three times a week. His coaches have also been very helpful beyond just tactics, strategy, and race preparation. “My coaches have given me reassurance that I can do it and that I can go where I want to go, if I put in the work and effort. In addition to Spirit Mountain, favorite places Eaton likes to ski is Winter Park and Keystone, both in Colorado. He would eventually like to be a member of Team USA and within the next year or so is looking to enter his first international competition. Born with a disability similar to spina bifida, sports are what Eaton likes to do. And it has given him a lot. “Sports showed me that I can be like anyone else. I’m an athlete. It pushes me through my disability and to be anything I want to be.” 1-800-437-8597 Innovative Options in Prosthetics See all of our products at www.ferrier.coupler.com • Email: sales@coupler.com Ask your prosthetist for more information. FOR THE A CHANGE The Ferrier Coupler allows you to change your prosthesis quickly and easily. Simply remove one pin, and your prosthesis is disconnected. EASY, QUICK and CONVENIENT! • The Coupler allows for a complete disconnect immediately below the socket in seconds without the removal of clothes. • The Coupler can be used where only the upper (above the Coupler) or lower (below the Coupler) portion of the limb needs to be changed. • The Coupler provides ease in exchanging various limbs/specialty feet. • The Coupler allows for a temporary replacement limb. • Disconnect limb for comfort YOU NEED A FERRIER COUPLER! “As a disabled, multi-sport athlete, the Ferrier Coupler has allowed me to compete on a more level playing field.” – Luis Alicea, Paralympic and World Champion Swimmer 20 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED JOiN THE MOvEMENT Join a Move United member organization near you. ALABAMA Lakeshore Foundation Birmingham, AL lakeshore.org ALASKA Challenge Alaska Anchorage, AK challengeak.org ORCA Program – Southeast Alaska Independent Living Inc. Juneau, AK sailinc.org/orcarecreation-services ARIZONA Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center Phoenix, AZ ability360sports.org Arizona Adaptive Watersports Dewey, AZ azadaptivewatersports.org Arizona Disabled Sports Mesa, AZ arizonadisabledsports.com Northern Arizona Adaptive Sports Association Flagstaff, AZ NAZadaptivesports.com Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports Tucson, AZ soazadaptivesports.org CALIFORNIA Ability First Sports Chico, CA abilityfirstsports.org Achieve Tahoe Alpine Meadows, CA achievetahoe.org Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association San Diego, CA adaptivesportsandrec.org AmpSurf Pismo Beach, CA ampsurf.org Angel City Sports Los Angeles, CA angelcitysports.org Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors San Francisco, CA baads.org Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program Berkeley, CA borp.org Central California Adaptive Sports Center Shaver Lake, CA centralcaladaptive.org Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra Mammoth Lakes, CA disabledsportseasternsierra.org DSUSA Los Angeles – The Unrecables Los Angeles, CA unrecables.com DSUSA Orange County – The Achievers Irvine, CA theachievers.org Far West Wheelchair Athletic Association San Jose, CA fwwaa.org Operation Surf San Luis Obispo, CA operationsurf.org SoCal Adaptive Sports Palm Springs, CA socaladaptivesports.org Triumph Foundation Valencia, CA triumph-foundation.org U.S. Driving for the Disabled Arroyo Grande, CA usdfd.org U.S. Adaptive Recreation Center Big Bear Lake, CA usarc.org COLORADO Adaptive Action Sports Copper Mountain, CO adacs.org Adaptive Adventures Westminster, CO adaptiveadventures.org Adaptive Sports Association Durango, CO asadurango.org Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte Crested Butte, CO adaptivesports.org Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) Breckenridge, CO boec.org Challenge Aspen Snow Mass Village, CO challengeaspen.org Colorado Discover Ability Grand Junction, CO cdagj.org DuMyon Martial Arts Colorado Springs, CO dumyonmartialarts.org Foresight Ski Guides Inc. Vail, CO foresightskiguides.org Golf 4 the Disabled Greenwood Village, CO golf4thedisabled.org Ignite Adaptive Sports Boulder, CO igniteadaptivesports.org National Sports Center for the Disabled Denver, CO nscd.org Paradox Sports Eldorado Springs, CO Paradoxsports.org Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS) Steamboat Springs, CO steamboatstars.com Telluride Adaptive Sports Program Telluride, CO tellurideadaptivesports.org Visually Impaired & Blind Skiers Colorado Springs, CO coloradovibes.org CONNECTICUT Gaylord Sports Association Wallingford, CT gaylord.org/sports Leaps of Faith Adaptive Skiers Newtown, CT lofadaptiveskiers.org Oak Hill Adaptive Sports and Fitness Hartford, CT sportsandfitness.oakhillct.org FLORIDA Central Florida Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America Sanford, FL pvacf.org Central Florida Dreamplex Clermont, FL cfldreamplex.com Endless Possibilities Lakeworth, FL Endlesspossibilitespbs.org Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports Tampa, FL Hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/recreation- and-culture/sports-and- athletics/hc-adaptive-sports Shifting Gears United Tequesta FL shiftinggearsunited.org SportsAbility Alliance Tallahassee, FL sportsability.org Warrior Sailing Treasure Island, FL warriorsailing.org GEORGIA Catalyst Sports Atlanta, GA catalystsports.org BlazeSports America Norcross, GA blazesports.org HAWAII AccesSurf Hawaii Honolulu, HI accessurf.org IDAHO Adaptive Wilderness Sports of McCall (AWeSOMe!) McCall, ID awesomemccall.org Boise Adaptive Snowsport Education (BASE) Boise, ID baseidaho.org Higher Ground Sun Valley Ketchum, ID highergroundusa.org ILLINOIS Chicago Park District-Special Recreation Department Chicago, IL chicagoparkdistrict.com/special-recreation- programs Dare2Tri Paratriathlon Club Chicago, IL dare2tri.org Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) Lake Forest, IL glasa.org North Side Archery Club Chicago, IL northsidearcheryclub.org Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Chicago, IL sralab.org Synergy Adaptive Athletics Carol Stream, IL synergyaa.org INDIANA Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Sports Program Indianapolis, IN rhirehab.com/our-programs/community- reintegration/adaptive-sports-program/clinics Special Outdoor Leisure Opportunities (SOLO) South Bend, IN skisolomichiana.org Turnstone Center Fort Wayne, IN turnstone.org WINTER 2021 | 21 MOVE UNITED JOiN THE MOvEMENT IOWA Adaptive Sports IOWA Ames, IO adaptivesportsiowa.org SportAbility of Iowa Waterloo, IA sportabilityofiowa.org KANSAS Wichita Adaptive Sports Wichita, KS wichitaadaptivesports.org LOUISIANA Louisiana GUMBO Pineville, LA sites.google.com/site/louisianagumboinc S.M.C.L. Foundation & Associates Inc. Adaptive & Disability Sports Organization New Orleans, LA samaritanactsneworleans.org MAINE Adaptive Outdoor Education Center Carrabassett Valley, ME adaptiveoutdooreducationcenter.org Central Maine Adaptive Sports Auburn, ME centralmaineadaptivesports.org Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation Newry, ME maineadaptive.org MARYLAND Baltimore Adaptive Recreation and Sports Parkton, MD barsinfo.org Bennett Institute Physically Challenged Sports of Kennedy Krieger Baltimore, MD kennedykrieger.org Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) Annapolis, MD crabsailing.org Maryland Therapeutic Riding Crownsville, MD HorsesThatHeal.org Team River Runner Rockville, MD teamriverrunner.org MASSACHUSETTS AccesSportAmerica Acton, MA accessportamerica.org Adaptive Sports New England Austin, MA adaptivesportsne.org Community Rowing Brighton, MA Communityrowing.org Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers (Spaulding Rehabilitation Network) East Sandwich, MA sasc.spauldingrehab.org MICHIGAN Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association Ada, MI skiccsa.org Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Grand Rapids, MI maryfreebed.com/rehabilitation/sports- rehabilitation/wheelchair-adaptive-sports/ Michigan Adaptive Sports Detroit, MI michiganadaptivesports.com Michigan Sports Unlimited Essexville, MI misprtsunlimted.com/ misprtsunlimited.com Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Foundation Detroit, MI Rimfoundation.org University of Michigan Adaptive & Inclusive Sports Experience (UMAISE) Ann Arbor, MI medicine.umich.edu/dept/pmr/patient-care/ therapeutic-other-services/university-michigan- adaptive-inclusive-sports-experience-umaise MINNESOTA Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Golden Valley, MN allinahealth.org/adaptivesports Exercisabilities Rochester, MN exercisabilities.org PVA Minnesota Chapter Minneapolis, MN mnpva.org U.S. Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association New Hope, MN powerhockey.com MISSOURI Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) St. Peters, MO dasasports.org Midwest Adaptive Sports Dearborn, MO midwestadaptivesports.org MONTANA DREAM Adaptive Recreation Whitefish, MT dreamadaptive.org Eagle Mount Billings Billings, MT eaglemount.us Eagle Mount Bozeman Bozeman, MT eaglemount.org Eagle Mount Great Falls Great Falls, MT eaglemount.net NEVADA City of Reno Reno, NV reno.gov/government/departments/parks- recreation-community-services/adaptive-recreation Nevada Paralyzed Veterans of America Las Vegas, NV nevadapva.org NEW HAMPSHIRE Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country Franconia, NH adaptivesportspartners.org Crotched Mountain Accessible Recreation and Sports Greenfield, NH cmars.org Granite State Adaptive Mirror Lake, NH gsadaptive.org Lakes Region Disabled Sports at Gunstock Gilford, NH lradaptive.org Mount Washington Valley Adaptive Sports Bartlett, NH mwvas.org New England Disabled Sports Lincoln, NH nedisabledpsports.org New England Healing Sports Association Newbury, NH nehsa.org Northeast Passage Durham, NH nepassage.org Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports Waterville Valley, NH watervilleadaptive.com NEW JERSEY Children’s Lightning Wheels Mountainside, NJ childrens-specialized.org/sports-connection Navigators Adaptive Sports Club Bayonne, NJ navigatorsadaptivesports.com NEW MEXICO Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico Santa Fe, NM adaptivesportsprogram.org Ski Apache Adaptive Sports Ruidoso, NM skiapacheadaptivesports.com NEW YORK Adaptive Sports Foundation Windham, NY adaptivesportsfoundation.org Adaptive Sports Program – Helen Hayes Hospital West Haverstraw, NY helenhayeshospital.org/hospital-services/adapted- sports-recreation Burke Rehabilitation Hospital Adaptive Sports Program White Plains, NY burke.org/community/adaptiveprograms Capital Region Nordic Alliance Albany, NY capitalregionnordicalliance.org Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center New Hartford, NY sitrin.com/adaptivesports GallopNYC Forest Hills, NY gallopnyc.org Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports Hamburg, NY sledhockeyfoundation.org Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports Endwell, NY gpadaptive.org Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program Ellicotville, NY lounsburyadaptive.org Move Along Inc. Oswego, NY movealonginc.org Rochester Accessible Adventures Rochester, NY rochesteraccessibleadventures.org Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing Rochester, NY rochestercommunityinclusiverowing.org STRIDE Wes Sand Lake, NY stride.org Western New York Watersports Grand Island, NY wnyadaptivewatersports.org NORTH CAROLINA ACCESS of Wilmington Wilmington, NC accessilm.org 22 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED JOiN THE MOvEMENT American Disability Darts Association Denver, NC addadarts.org Bridge II Sports Durham, NC bridge2sports.org ComMotion- Community In Motion Raleigh, NC Commoutionnc.org NORTH DAKOTA Dreams in Motion Mandan, ND facebook.com/dreamsinmotioninc Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports Minot, ND prairiegritsports.com OHIO Adaptive Sports Connection Powell, OH adaptivesportsconnection.org Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio Wooster, OH adaptivesportsohio.org Three Trackers of Ohio Middleburg Heights, OH 3trackers.org Youth Challenge Westlake, OH youthchallengesports.com OKLAHOMA Oklahoma Adaptive Sports Association Oklahoma City, OK okasa.org The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges Tulsa, OK tulsacenter.org University of Central Oklahoma Center of Adaptive Sports Edmond, OK uco.edu/wellness/sr/trainingsite/index.asp OREGON Adaptive Sports Northwest Beaverton, OR adaptivesportsnw.org Adventures Without Limits Forest Grove, OR awloutdoors.org Oregon Adaptive Sports Bend, OR oregonadaptivesports.org PENNSYLVANIA Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports (BRASS) Fairfield, PA brasski.org IM ABLE Foundation Wyomissing, PA imablefoundation.org On the Edge Children’s Foundation Gettysburg, PA ontheedgecf.org Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports Philadelphia, PA centeronline.com Three Rivers Adaptive Sports Pittsburgh, PA traspa.org Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation Mercersburg, PA twotopadaptive.org SOUTH CAROLINA Adaptive Expeditions Charleston, SC AdaptiveExpeditions.org Clemson Adaptive Sports Clemson, SC clemson.edu/cbshs/departments/prtm/programs/ clemson-adaptive-sport- recreation/index.html Coastal Adaptive Sports Myrtle Beach, SC coastaladaptivesports.org Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital Greenville, SC facebook.com/events/roger-c-peace-rehab-center- greenville-memorial/roger-c-peace-adaptive- sports/763384843997012 TENNESSEE Sports, Arts & Recreation of Chattanooga (SPARC) Chattanooga, TN sparctn.org TEXAS Kinetic Kids San Antonio, TX kinetickidstx.org Lone Star Paralysis Foundation Austin, TX lonestarparalysis.org Morgan’s Wonderland Sports San Antonio, TX morganswonderlandsports.com/straps One Chair at a Time Amarillo, TX onechairatatime.org Operation Comfort San Antonio, TX operationcomfort.org RISE Adaptive Sports Irving, TX riseadaptivesports.org Service Members Undertaking Disabled Sports (SUDS) San Antonio, TX sudsusa.org Southwest Wheelchair Athletic Association Fort Worth, TX Swaasports.org Turning Point Terrell, TX turningPOINTnation.org UTAH Common Ground Outdoor Adventures Logan, UT cgadventures.org National Ability Center Park City, UT discovernac.org Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports Huntsville, UT ogdenvalleyadaptivesports.org Salt Lake County Midvale, UT slco.org/adaptive Wasatch Adaptive Sports Snowbird, UT wasatchadaptivesports.org VERMONT Adaptive Sports at Mount Snow West Dover, VT adaptiveatsnow.org Bart J. Ruggiere Adaptive Sports Center Manchester Center, VT bartadaptive.org Central Vermont Pioneers Montpelier, VT centralvermontpioneers.org EDD Adaptive Sports Williston, VT eddfund.org Green Mountain Adaptive Sports Hyde Park, VT greenmtnadaptive.org Northeast Disabled Athletic Association Burlington, VT disabledathletics.org Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports Association Killington, VT vermontadaptive.org VIRGINIA Adventure Amputee Camp Falls Church, VA adventureamputeecamp.org Lake of the Woods Watersports Locust Grove, VA adaptivewatersports.org Patriots For Disabled Divers Occoquan, VA patriotsfordisableddivers.org Sportable Richmond, VA sportable.org Therapeutic Adventures Charlottesville, VA TAonline.org Wintergreen Adaptive Sports Charlottesville, VA Wintergreenadaptivesports.org WASHINGTON Footloose Sailing Association Mercer Island, WA footloosedisabledsailing.org Outdoors for All Foundation Seattle, WA outdoorsforall.org ParaSport Spokane Spokane, WA parasportspokane.org Seattle Adaptive Sports Seattle, WA seattleadaptivesports.org WASHINGTON, D.C. Medstar NRH Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program Washington, D.C. medstarnrh.org/sports WEST VIRGINIA Challenged Athletes of West Virginia Snowshoe, WV cawvsports.org WISCONSIN Dairyland Sports Madison, WI dairylandsports.org Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Ski Program Cedarburg, WI sewasp.org Sports, Therapeutic and Adaptive Recreation (STAR) Association La Crosse, WI couleeregionsledhockey.com Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (WASA) Brookfield, WI wasa.org WYOMING Teton Adaptive Sports Teton Village, WY tetonadaptivesports.com WINTER 2021 | 23 MOVE UNITED 18TH ANNUAL GREAT LAKE MONO-SKI AND RACE CAMP DULUTH, MINNESOTA This amazing three-day event, scheduled March 2-4 at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, is the largest mono-ski camp in the Midwest for youth and adults with disabilities. Skiers and instructors from the Midwest come together to advance the participant’s mono-ski skills. The focus is for a skier to gain confidence to become an independent skier. Instructors from Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, Adaptive Sports Center at Crested Butte, and Courage Kenny Ski and Snowboard provide skiers with group instruction based on ability. Skiers work with instructors on personal ski development. Skiers will be filmed by a professional videographer for a thorough movement analysis. Skiers and instructors will analyze the film and discuss their ski style and performance. “I am amazed at how quickly my son gained knowledge and skill on the mono-ski. Your team did an outstanding job. We came for skiing but left with so much more; being around other people that we can relate to and making new friendships was priceless,” said one of the participant’s parents. For more information or to register, contact Mark Hanna, Mark.hanna@allina.com or 218-726-4834 ext. 2. MiDWEST | ArOUND THE COUNTrY TURNSTONE REINVIGORATES THE COMPETITIVE SEASON FORT WAYNE, INDIANA As the adaptive sports’ winter season approaches, athletes at Turnstone prepare to return to tournaments with enthusiasm. Power soccer, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and sled hockey athletes are excited to get back to competing. Several home tournaments, which will be hosted in Turnstone’s home city, Fort Wayne, are on the schedule. Interested athletes may join team practices at any time during the season. Basketball has two tournaments playing at home. The Junior Basketball Regional Qualifier Tournament for Nationals is on Jan. 29 and 30. Adult Division I, II & III basketball leagues compete on Feb. 5 and 6. We also hosted a wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and power soccer invitational earlier this fall. Alex, a Turnstone basketball player, says, “It means a lot to me to be able to play again after a long time off. I know this past year was a struggle for many of us, and I think one of the things I missed the most was the basketball court.” Other home tournaments also include power soccer for all ages on March 5 and 6 and sled hockey for all ages on Feb. 19 and 20. Sled hockey home tournaments will be held offsite of Turnstone’s facility. For more information about adaptive sports programs, or to register for these upcoming events, please visit https:// turnstone.org/sports. 24 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED CHALLENGE ASPEN RACE CLINIC AT NASTAR NATIONALS SNOWMASS, COLORADO Please join Challenge Aspen for an adaptive race clinic, April 4-9, in preparation for NASTAR Nationals, in beautiful Snowmass. The clinic will be led by certified coaches and adaptive professionals who will help individuals fine-tune skills for the 2022 NASTAR Nationals. We will focus on race techniques, proper waxing and equipment maintenance, video analysis, and of course, a few social activities. The clinic will be free to the first 12 2022 NASTAR-Qualified Adaptive Racers who apply. Discounted lodging, lift tickets, and entry fee will be available. Registration is open until March 31, 2022! Visit www.challengeaspen.org or contact deb@challengeaspen.org for more information. MOUNTAiN | ArOUND THE COUNTrY FORESIGHT SKI GUIDES BLIND SKIER PROGRAM VAIL AND BEAVER CREEK, COLORADO Foresight Ski Guides’ blind skier program has been shattering myths about blindness for 20 years, using mountain-based challenge recreation to teach blind and visually impaired individuals how to break through barriers and obstacles that may keep them from living their best lives. The Vail, Colorado, nonprofit provides free guided skiing and snowboarding for blind adults and youth so they can experience the sense of freedom that comes with carving down the side of a mountain. We often hear a visually impaired participant (VIP) say if they can ski down a hill, they can accomplish anything in life. Vianca M. describes how she feels about skiing with Foresight. “Skiing downhill makes you feel like you are flying!” Foresight’s program not only teaches its VIPs self-determination and confidence, but it also provides affordable access to sports experiences that are often missing in their lives. Visit foresightskiguides.org for more information. STAY OVERNIGHT AT NATIONAL ABILITY CENTER’S FAMILY CAMP PARK CITY, UTAH Nestled amidst miles of winter trails, open space and the National Ability Center Ranch, stay with family, friends or travel buddies in our onsite lodge. It’s all just 40-minutes from Salt Lake International Airport. The dormitory-style lodge offers a restful base for a range of adaptive programs, from alpine skiing and snowboarding to Nordic, fat biking and indoor climbing. While you can sign up for any of our programs individually, if you prefer that we do the planning for you, join us for our Holiday Camp! Holiday Overnight Family Camp, Dec. 28-31 Stay in the National Ability Center’s onsite lodge in Park City and explore a variety of winter-themed activities, crafts and games. In addition, the National Ability Center offers supported internships for young adults ages 16-22 with disabilities. Coach interns assist in all aspects of programs and administration at the National Ability Center, learn job skills and build tools to advocate for themselves in their education, work-life and beyond. Summer application deadline is March 1. Learn more and sign up at discovernac.org or call (435) 649-3991. WINTER 2021 | 25 MOVE UNITED MOUNTAiN | ArOUND THE COUNTrY HIGHER GROUND OFFERING WINTER PROGRAMMING SUN VALLEY, IDAHO; MAMMOTH, CALIFORNIA; AND NEW YORK STATE For over 20 years, Higher Ground has been the sole concessionaire of adaptive snowsports at Sun Valley Resort. We provide lessons for locals and out of town guests as well as equipment usage. Sun ValleyAdaptive and Local Programs: Full Day and Half Day lessons offered daily (Thanksgiving- April) Jan-March: Local Ski Team for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (Weekly) Jan-March: Local Cross Country Team for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (Weekly) Jan. 7-10: Paralympic Youth Camp Feb. 21-27: Veteran Snowsports Camp with the Salt Lake City V.A. California Alpine Skiing/Snowboard Week-long Therapeutic Veterans Programs: Jan. 23-29 Mammoth Feb. 20-26 Mammoth Sun Valley Alpine Skiing/Snowboard Week-long Therapeutic Veteran Programs: Dec. 12-18 Jan. 2-8 Jan. 30-Feb. 5 March 6-2 New York Week-long Therapeutic Veteran Programs: Feb. 20-26 in Montana Jan. 26-Feb. 1: Weeklong Ice Climbing Program and Adaptive Ice Climbing Course (AICC) with Paradox Sports in the Adirondack Mountains Feb./March 2022: Weeklong Advanced Climbing CRU Winter Expedition. April 2022: Weeklong Horsemanship Program Check out all our programs and find more info at highergroundusa.org. NOrTHEAST | ArOUND THE COUNTrY GET OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN WITH NEDS WHITE MOUNTAIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) has many 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 Saturday, Dec. 11. NEDS will operate 7 days a week through March 31, closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers will provide you with the equipment, instruction and support to actively participate in alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. We have a variety of equipment to meet all our participants needs. We are pleased to announce that the TetraSki is now a part of our inventory. We are one of the handful of organizations that can offer this opportunity. The TetraSki is the world’s only independent alpine ski for complex disabilities offering joystick or sip-n-puff technology. Call to make reservations at 603-745-9333. NEDS offers sliding scale scholarships available on a need basis; please contact danar@nedisabledsports.org to apply. As always, there is no charge for veterans with a disability to participate. Advanced reservations are required! For additional information, visit at nedisabledsports.org or email info@nedisabledsports.org. 26 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED NOrTHEAST | ArOUND THE COUNTrY VARIOUS WINTER PROGRAMS SLATED AT VERMONT ADAPTIVE PICO MOUNTAIN, KILLINGTON, SUGARBUSH, & BOLTON VALLEY, VT Winter Programming at Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports begins Dec. 26 at multiple Vermont locations; skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, rock climbing, veterans retreats and more. 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 rock climbing. We offer daily, year-round programming throughout Vermont including Veterans Retreats, wellness camps and more. Visit vermontadaptive. org for reservation and more information. Free Women Veterans Retreat with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Women veterans are invited to join us for a special retreat weekend at Sugarbush Resort March 10-13 filled with skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, plus yoga, indoor rock climbing and more. Space is very limited so register early. Lodging, meals, activities included. *Some sessions may be led by a male program coordinator or trained volunteer. Reservations are required. Free Weekly Veterans Programs at Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports 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 regular programs, visit vermontadaptive.org for reservations and information. For veterans’ programs, contact Ret. SSG. Misha Pemble-Belkin at veterans@ vermontadaptive.org. SNOWSHOEING, SKIING, AND SNOWBOARDING AT MOUNT SUNAPEE NEWBURY, NEW HAMPSHIRE New England Healing Sports Association (NEHSA) is gearing up for our 50th winter season at beautiful Mount Sunapee. NEHSA provides outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals of all ages with a wide range of varying disabilities. NEHSA is very excited to expand our winter programming opportunities to now include snowshoeing thanks to the generous support from The Hartford through the Ability Equipped Program and Move United. Whether you are new to winter 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. 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! For more information and to get involved, contact us at info@nehsa.org or 603-763-9158. TEAM RIVER RUNNER OFFERING VIRTUAL PROGRAMS ONLINE Throughout the winter months, Team River Runner will share weekly videos every Wednesday. All videos (either live or pre-recorded0 will be accessible via the TRRUSA Facebook page. The content will be a mixture of exercise and paddle-focused videos. They’ll be short and easy to follow to help you stay active this winter! We’ll continue this through the spring until it’s warm enough to paddle outdoors again. Join Team River Runner this winter on Facebook to break a sweat and learn more about paddling! And don’t worry if you miss one of our live sessions. You’ll have access to all videos to view anytime. See you there! Visit our page, Facebook.com/TRRUSA. WINTER 2021 | 27 MOVE UNITED COMPETE IN THE BIG PEACH SLAM JAM WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT ATLANTA, GEORGIA One of our most popular events is the annual BlazeSports Big Peach Slam Jam Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, presented by the Atlanta Hawks Jan. 29-30. This invitational hosts more than 20 of the best teams from 13 states across the Varsity and Prep divisions. Sanctioned by the NWBA, the Big Peach Slam Jam is the largest tournament of its kind in the Southeast and is a weekend filled with exciting competition. For more information, visit blazesports.org. SOUTH | ArOUND THE COUNTrY GO CYCLING AT THE 2022 HAMMERFEST WITH LAKESHORE FOUNDATION BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA Calling all cycling enthusiasts! You do not want to miss one of the best race and ride events of 2022! Hammerfest will be held in Birmingham on March 12-13. USA CRITS D1 professional cycling teams from all over the United States will be racing through the streets of Birmingham, but this two-day event is not just for the pros. Amateurs, juniors and handcyclists will be tackling the same course and putting their skills to the test. Hammerfest has teamed up with Lakeshore Foundation, an international leader combining expertise in physical activity, advocacy, and research for people with physical disabilities to live a healthy lifestyle. The event includes a handcycling race, fun rides, food trucks, prizes and more. The Hammer Ride event offers two free rides for cyclists with the option of a 30-mile or 60-mile ride. Riders are encouraged to fundraise with 100% of rider-raised dollars going to support Lakeshore Foundation. For more information on Hammerfest, visit birminghamhammerfest. com and to learn about Lakeshore Foundation, visit lakeshore.org. PARTICIPATE IN THE LIFETIME MIAMI MARATHON WEEKEND MIAMI, FLORIDA The Lifetime Miami Marathon partners with Shifting Gears United (SGU) to oversee the safety and inclusion of athletes with disabilities who register to compete in the full marathon and half, which will take place on Feb. 6. Disability race divisions include handcycles, racing wheelchairs, and open divisions supporting visual impaired and amputee runners. The Lifetime Miami Marathon course is a fast and flat one that starts on Biscayne Boulevard next to the American Airlines Arena (home of the Miami Heat). The course takes runners eastbound on the MacArthur Causeway, past cruise ships docked at the Port of Miami, to South Beach. From there, competitors travel northbound along the famous Ocean Drive, through the City of Miami Beach, and then westbound along the Venetian Causeway and back to the mainland and the City of Miami. Here, the Lifetime Miami Half Marathon finishes, and the full marathon continues southbound through the financial district, Brickell, into Coconut Grove, out the Rickenbacker Causeway towards Key Biscayne, and then back through Brickell and downtown Miami to complete the 42.195 kilometers (26.219 mi) at Bayfront Park for a topnotch finish line party. For more information, contact Jacqui Kapinowski, jacqui@shiftinggearsunited.org or visit the SGU website: shiftinggearsunited.org. Photo courtesy of Bruno Event Team 28 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED ArOUND THE COUNTrY | SOUTH SPARC will host the 40th Adaptive Skiing event, the oldest series of instructional adaptive snow ski clinics in the USA at Beech Mountain. The event will take place Jan. 18-21. The clinic is made possible by co-sponsors Beech Mountain Resort (Costin family), Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center IRC Program of Knoxville, Ft. Sanders Foundation, Atrium Health ASAP of Charlotte, and many others. The sponsors of this event donate to bring together the instructors, equipment, and resources necessary to teach skiing/snowboarding to individuals with disabilities. Over $90,000 of adaptive equipment brought to the event provides many snow ski/ board opportunities for participants. The instructional team for the event includes PSIA Adaptive certified instructors with over 80 years of combined experience from all over the U.S. experienced in monoski, biski, win ski, 2, 3, & 4 tracking, slider, visually impaired and snowboard instruction. This event will serve participants from the southeastern U.S., including individuals with ages ranging from age 5 to 70+ and a wide variety of abilities. The event will also serve military veterans and active military from our region. Email sparc@sparctn.org for more information. SPARC HOSTING 40TH ADAPTIVE SKIING EVENT BEECH MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA SNOWSPORTS LESSONS FOR ALL TRUCKEE AND OLYMPIC VALLEY, CALIFORNIA This winter, conquer the mountains with Achieve Tahoe’s adaptive ski and snowboard school! Achieve Tahoe got its start serving veterans in 1967, providing us with 50 years of experience to share with our participants. Offering adaptive lessons at the world-class California resorts of Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, and Sugar Bowl, we welcome people of all ages and all disabilities. Our trained instructors will adapt each experience to your ability, to help you achieve your goals and improve your health, confidence, and independence. Our snowsports school is equipped to meet your unique needs with well-trained and PSIA certified instructors. With our slope-side location at Palisades Tahoe and Northstar, we can cut down on transition times and turn our full focus to getting outside and experiencing the joy of sliding on snow. Achieve Tahoe is also proud to be one of the few adaptive programs in the world with a TetraSki. The TetraSki is a seat mounted on two skis controlled by a joystick and/or a sip and puff control mechanism similar to most electric wheelchairs; it is the most stable bi-ski. With the TetraSki added to our wide variety of state-of-the-art adaptive equipment, Achieve Tahoe can offer pathways towards independent skiing for all our participants, especially those with complex mobility impairments. To sign up for a lesson or learn more, visit AchieveTahoe.org, call 530-581-4161 ext. 6, or email info@AchieveTahoe.org. ArOUND THE COUNTrY | WEST WINTER 2021 | 29 MOVE UNITED DISABLED SPORTS EASTERN SIERRA OFFERS SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE 2021-22 WINTER SEASON MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA Around 200 individuals volunteer with DSES annually. One volunteer, Nikki, became an instructor in early 2021 after being a participant and is now a PSIA certified alpine instructor. She says, “Adaptive athletes adapting to teach non-adaptive skiing ... pretty awesome.” We have a team of highly trained staff and volunteer instructors excited to get people skiing, riding, and having fun outside. Adaptive athletes of all ages and abilities can discover the freedom and thrill of outdoor sports adventures through personalized private lessons or winter camps in a variety of snow sports. Special dates for the 2022 winter season include: • Jan. 23-28 – Operation Mountain Freedom – military sports camp • Feb. 11-13 – Nordic Ski Camp • March 4-7 - Alpine Ski and Race Camp - Nikki includes this camp as the first time she felt major skiing improvement! • March 15-20 – Biathlon Camp – military sports camp • April 1-3 – Mono Ski Madness Our sensational scenery and famous California sunshine makes the Eastern Sierra an irresistible place to recreate. Reservations with DSES are required and more information is available at DisabledSportsEasternSierra.org or 760- 934-0791. ArOUND THE COUNTrY | WEST SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING LESSONS AT BEAR MOUNTAIN BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA The United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC) is committed to teaching people with disabilities outdoor therapeutic recreation. The winter program runs between December and March and offers skiing and snowboarding lessons at Bear Mountain. Full day and half day lessons are available. Lessons include lift tickets, equipment and instruction. Prices are $150 for full day and $100 half day. If you’d like more information or to make a reservation, call 909-584-0269. Volunteers are needed to help these programs be successful. Volunteers enhance the lives of children and children-at-heart living with physical or intellectual disabilities who come to the USARC to challenge themselves through outdoor recreation, and leave having transformed those challenges into achievement and self- discovery. USARC’s favorite winter FUNdraiser will be March 12. The Ski-A-Thon is a day on the slopes of Bear Mountain while raising essential funds for the USARC. Participants receive a lift ticket, line cutting privileges, goodie bag, event t-shirt, and lunch voucher. For more information, call 909-584- 0269. For more information on programs, visit usarc.org or email mail@usarc.org. Photo by Nikki Lee 30 | WINTER 2021 MOVE UNITED In 2022, opportunities abound to compete in over 20 single and/or multi-sport events throughout the United States at one of the Move United Sanctioned Competitions. These annual events, which serves over 1,800 athletes with a physical, visual, and/or intellectual impairment, offers competition in Paralympic-style sports primarily in summer sports. The competitions offered through Move United and the Move United member network, serve as qualifiers and/or training opportunities for national competitions including the Move United Junior Nationals, the Adaptive Track and Field USA Adult Nationals, U.S. Paralympics National Championships/Trials, NGB National Championships, the National Veteran Wheelchair Games, the Valor Games, and the Warrior Games. Athlete opportunities range from beginners to elite level athletes competing or aspiring to compete on the world stage. Young athletes through adults, grassroots to competitive, we welcome you as we embark on the 2022 season. Below are the confirmed event dates for 2022 Move United Sanctioned Competitions. For the full 2022 calendar of Sanctioned Events, please visit: https://www.moveunitedsport.org/events/sanctioned-competitions/ for the most up to date information. Please note that dates are subject to change or cancellation due to COVID-19 safety concerns. COMPETiTiON BUiLDS CHArACTEr EVENT LOCATION 2022 DATE(S) GUMBO North Shreveport, LA 3/11/2022 Texas Regional Games San Antonio, TX 4/7-4/10/22 Russ Harvey Memorial Archery Tournament Tampa, FL 4/9/22 Desert Challenge Games Mesa, AZ 5/18-5/22/22 Challenge Games Derby, KS 6/4/22 UCO Endeavor Games Edmond, OK 6/9-6/12/22 2022 Move United Junior Nationals presented by The Hartford Metro Denver, CO 7/16-7/23/22 Chicago Para-Archery Championship Chicago, IL 8/26-8/28/22 Take Part in a Move United Sanctioned Competition The culmination leads to the signature summer event, Move United Junior Nationals. Junior Nationals, scheduled to take place July 16-23 in Colorado, is the largest, long-standing annual multi-sport event in the United States for youth with a physical, visual, and/or intellectual impairment who are classifiable under the International Paralympic Committee’s classification system. It is a weeklong national sport championship event open to athletes through the age of 22. Sports on the program include archery, paratriathlon, powerlifting, shooting, swimming, tennis and track and field. To learn more about the Move United Sanctioned Competitions, visit moveunitedsport.org. WINTER 2021 | 31 MOVE UNITED MArKETPLACE READY FOR EVERYDAY LIFE The Taleo Side Flex was designed for active users who navigate varied indoor and outdoor environments and place a high value on secure, effortless walking and socket comfort. Thanks to innovative technology, it offers more freedom of movement in everyday life and ensures secure, full-surface ground contact with its Terrain Adaption Unit – even on uneven surfaces and slopes. You decide where you go. It’s more than a foot. It’s your foundation. Visit ottobockus.com to learn more. IT’S ALL ABOUT FUNCTION We are the visionaries of high-quality prosthetic devices specifically for finger & partial-hand loss. Our solutions are engineered with strength & environmental resistance in mind. We have engineered three custom devices for the partial loss of the finger, and our new GripLock Finger for amputations proximal to the MCP. Designing and manufacturing products isn’t all we do; we get people back to work and back to doing the things they love. Learn more at npdevices.com. CHANGE YOUR PROSTHESIS QUICKLY AND EASILY The Ferrier Coupler allows you to disconnect your prosthesis quickly and easily by simply removing one pin. Ferrier Coupler combinations fit virtually any lower limb prosthesis. Features include: • Complete disconnect immediately below the socket in seconds without the removal of clothes. • Can be used where only the upper (above the Coupler) or lower (below the Coupler) portion of the limb needs to be changed. • Allows for a temporary replacement limb. • Provides ease in exchanging various limbs. For more information, visit ferrier.coupler.com. THE FREEDOM SHOCKWAVE The Freedom ShockWave™ utilizes the industry-leading classic Freedom foot design with its proprietary EnduraCore® hybrid composite technology and incorporates a Spherical Shock Unit (SSU). The SSU provides both vertical shock absorption and axial rotation giving K3/K4 patients a shockingly natural and comfortable experience during both every day and high impact activities. Learn more at proteorusa.com/. FREEDOM TO SAVE FOR THE FUTURE Many Americans with disabilities think old rules still apply — that they can’t save for the future if they are receiving disability benefits. However, ABLEnow savings accounts remove these limitations, offering financial peace-of- mind for eligible individuals and their families. Save for today’s needs or invest for tomorrow in a simple, affordable and tax-advantaged account that won’t impact certain disability benefits. Learn more and open an account at ABLEnow.com. ™ Full-length Heel and Keel • Exceptional ground compliance maximizes energy return • Eliminates dead spots • Effortless rollover Spherical Shock Unit (SSU) • Ultimate vertical shock absorption Eases stress on the residual limb for a more natural gait • Axial rotation of +/-15 degrees Reduces socket pressure Allows quick pivoting in a seamless motion Bolt-free Design • Eliminates dead spots and weak structural areas • More reliable and lighter foot Sandal Toe Available in sizes 23-28cm CLASSIC FREEDOM FOOT DESIGN | VERTICAL SHOCK | AXIAL ROTATION NOW AVAILABLE Split Keel and Heel • Increases inversion/ eversion and works in harmony with the SSU • Improves stability, comfort, and confidence on varied terrains EnduraCore® Technology • Unique layup of carbon fiber and fiberglass • Ideal durability, flexibility, and strength • High energy return, less fatigue, and more natural motion improves gait L5987 + L5984 1236 West Southern Avenue #101, Tempe, AZ 85282 • 855.450.7300 #HumanFirst shop.proteorusa.com
