Image Source: Beth McDermott
Key Takeaways
- The 28th annual Veterans Affairs New England Adaptive Winter Sports Clinic was held at Mount Sunapee and Lebanon, New Hampshire, from January 12-15.
- Sixteen veterans from Vermont and New Hampshire participated in the event, which featured adaptive winter sports such as sled hockey, downhill skiing, and rock climbing.
- The clinic was supported by over 120 volunteers, veteran service organizations, and sponsors, and is the only regional-level adaptive clinic of its kind within the VA.
- The event has helped hundreds of veterans with physical disabilities and invisible wounds overcome obstacles and challenge their perceived limitations over the past three decades.
Introduction to the Event
The 28th annual Veterans Affairs New England Adaptive Winter Sports Clinic was recently held at Mount Sunapee and Lebanon, New Hampshire, from January 12-15. This event is a unique opportunity for veterans with disabilities to participate in adaptive winter sports and push their limits. As Brett Rusch, executive director of VA White River Junction Healthcare System, noted, "Each year the veterans who participate exemplify courage, determination and fortitude as they push their limits." The clinic featured a variety of adaptive winter sports, including sled hockey, downhill skiing, snowboarding, ski biking, and rock climbing, providing a range of activities for the participating veterans to enjoy.
Participating Veterans
Sixteen veterans from Vermont and New Hampshire participated in the event, including Navy veteran Debra Kew, Army veteran Tracy Lane, Marine Corps veterans Blaine Russell and David Santamore, and Air Force veteran Thomas Weise. These veterans were joined by nearly 50 other veterans from New England with disabilities, making for a total of over 60 participants. The event was supported by more than 120 volunteers, veteran service organizations, and sponsors, who helped to make the clinic a success. As the announcement from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs noted, the clinic is a unique opportunity for veterans to come together and challenge their perceived limitations.
History of the Clinic
The first clinic was held in 1998 and hosted 15 disabled veterans. Over the past three decades, the event has grown and evolved, helping hundreds of veterans with physical disabilities and invisible wounds to overcome obstacles and challenge their perceived limitations. As Rusch noted, "I’m always impressed with the milestones each veteran achieves, and I am excited for them to experience this as part of their health care journey." The clinic is the only regional-level adaptive clinic of its kind within the VA, making it a unique and valuable resource for veterans in the region.
Support and Partnerships
The clinic is supported by volunteer instructors from the New England Healing Sports Association and other community partners, as well as recreation therapists from VA New England. This partnership allows the clinic to provide a range of adaptive sports and activities, as well as support and guidance for the participating veterans. The event is also supported by over 120 volunteers, who help to make the clinic a success. As the announcement noted, the clinic is a testament to the power of community and partnership in supporting veterans with disabilities.
Conclusion and Future
The 28th annual Veterans Affairs New England Adaptive Winter Sports Clinic was a success, providing a unique opportunity for veterans with disabilities to come together and challenge their perceived limitations. As Rusch noted, the clinic is an important part of the healthcare journey for many veterans, and helps to promote courage, determination, and fortitude. For more information about the clinic, contact [email protected]. The event will likely continue to grow and evolve in the coming years, providing a valuable resource for veterans in the region. As the announcement noted, the clinic is a shining example of the impact that community and partnership can have on the lives of veterans with disabilities.
https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/vermont/2026/01/16/mount-sunapee-lebanon-winter-sports-clinic-helps-disabled-veterans-vt/88194009007/