Questions and Answers regarding GDSP & DASA

What does this partnership mean to the Volunteers and Athletes? Partnering with DASA will help to insure the uninterrupted continuity of the Gateway Disabled Ski Program. It will insure quality training from America’s finest Certified Adaptive Snowsport Instructors and modern up-to-date adaptive snowsport equipment. What changes will I see at Hidden Valley Ski Area? Visible changes will be minimal. Next season there will be a paid seasonal director who will manage registration and the day-to-day administrative duties for athletes and volunteers. Will there be changes in the programs offered to athletes? Yes, beginning in January 2011 the Gateway Disabled Ski Program in partnership with DASA will offer Programs for athletes with physical disabilities on Monday as usual but we will also offer Tuesday evening programs for Wounded Warriors, Fisher House Families and Duty Bound Kids from Jefferson Barracks and John Cochran Veterans Administration. Thursday programs for athletes who are blind or visually impaired, athletes, with cognitive challenges and Special Olympic athletes will remain unchanged. All other programs such as the School Field Trip Programs and Children Ski Camps will continue as usual. Will there be in additional costs to the athletes? NO. Season Pass fees will remain the same as last year. Hidden Valley offers a special discount price of $50.00 Monday through Thursday for a Season Pass without rentals. With rental the cost is $75.00. Will there be additional costs to volunteers? No, Program fees will remain the same as last year for Monday through Thursday season passes and rentals. Hidden Valley offers a $50.00 Monday through Thursday Season Pass without rental. With rental the cost is $75.00. An any day season pass for volunteers will be $300.00, add $125.00 for rentals Will Special Olympic athletes still have the opportunity to compete in the Heartland Games? Yes, We will continue to provide race opportunities for Special Olympians at the Heartland Games. Will scholarships be available for athletes in need? Yes. Applications are available on our website, gdsp.org. What other benefits will come from the partnership with DASA? DASA offers different year round sports. Future possibilities may include opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in other year round sports offered by DASA. DASA works closely with the United States Paralympics Program. Future opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to compete in sanctioned races are a possibility. What other sports are offered by DASA? A variety of sports are offered: such as Basketball, Swimming, Track and Road Racing, Golf, Martial Arts, Archery, Sled Hockey, Rock Climbing, Stand-up Soccer, and Power Soccer. A family and friend event might include a trip to a professional sporting event, horseback riding, or a picnic. Where can I learn more about the Disabled Athlete Sports Association, DASA? You can log onto the DASA website at www.dasasports.org or call (636) 477-0716 . Should you have any additional questions or concerns feel free to contact me by phone 636-938-6478 or e-mail at mailto:snowski@dasasports.org Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you with great anticipation and excitement for this wonderful opportunity to improve GDSP and become part of this comprehensive respected sports program.