Gateway Disabled Ski Program Joins DASA Disabled Athletes Sports Association

From the President’s Desk: I hope you have all enjoyed the fall months and look forward to the 2010/2011 Gateway Disabled Ski Program Season. I am pleased to announce some exciting changes that will benefit Athletes and Volunteers alike and insure uninterrupted continuity of the Gateway Disabled Ski Program. In November 2010 the Gateway Disabled Ski Program became part of the Disabled Athletes Sports Association (DASA), an acclaimed program that began in 1997 with Executive Director, Kelly Behlmann’s dream. DASA, dedicated to providing exercise, physical fitness and confidence and the meaning of team to children and adults with disabilities has expanded to groom national champions, international record breakers and Paralympics athletes. As with the Gateway Disabled Ski Program DASA provides specially trained staff and its own adaptive equipment lab providing activities to individuals with any physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioral diagnosis. The DASA mission “All of those who live with a physical or visual disability will be given the opportunity to participate in therapeutic sports and fitness activities designed to improve self-esteem and to promote growth and well-being while instilling family values” provides a perfect compliment to the Gateway Disabled Ski Program. On page two we answer your questions about how our partnership with DASA will affect our athletes and volunteers. I encourage you to read it carefully and contact either Kelly or me with any questions you may have. Highlights from the 2009-2010 season include our Special Olympian’s accomplishments at the Regional Heartland Games at Snow Creek. Our Special Olympic athletes bring us great pride in their accomplishments and 2010 was no exception as 11 athletes brought home 23 medals in Slalom, Giant Slalom and Downhill events. Thank you to Jay Pidcock and all the volunteers for arranging and staffing this special event. We welcomed Bill Bowness back along with Terri Henderson; two of the nations top Professional Ski Instructor’s of America trainers for three days of clinics for volunteers and athletes covering all disciplines of adaptive skiing. This year Geoff Krill, PSIA Adaptive Team Member and PSIA Instructor will teach our Volunteer Adaptive Clinic on January 7, 8 and 9, 2011. Children’s Ski Camps with organizations such as Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments, School field trips, scouts and other community programs allow us to bring the thrill of snowsports to a wide and diverse range of athletes. Thanks to all of our volunteers who dedicate their valuable time and resources to guide athletes to success. The door to achievement is inviting, open and waiting for all of us to pass the threshold that only the thrill of sports can bring. Lastly, the premature speculation and drama on the demise of Hidden Valley has finally concluded. They will remain stronger then ever adding a Tube Hill, enlarged lodge and new offices for the 2010 season and plans for expansion in the future.