Adaptive Ski Program History In 1976, officials from Fort Bliss approached Ski Apache about teaching returning disabled Vietnam veterans to ski. Military Doctors believed that if these men could participate in a sport, particularly one which they enjoyed before the war, it would make a difference in their rehabilitation. Diana Person, a ski instructor, was the first volunteer and with Ski Apache’s management’s approval and encouragement, a separate ski school was established … the Ski Apache Disabled Skiers’ Program or SADSP. The Program’s goal was to teach any person with a disability to ski. The area management offered to supply a small building and reduced, complimentary lift tickets for students, instructors and volunteers. That first year, Diana taught seven students including three Vietnam veterans and the Program was off and running. Last year, SADSP taught over 300 skiers. Most students come from New Mexico, Texas and Arizona, but students have come from as far as Florida, California, Mexico and even Central America to participate in the program. SADSP has also established programs with several rehabilitation centers, colleges, hospitals and organizations that work with people with disabilities. The school program has grown exponentially. Volunteers have been trained to work with elementary, middle and high school students in a program that has expanded to the entire Southwest.  Students ski one day a week for a six-week session that culminates in a race with all the skiers receiving medals.

 

 

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