Thanks in part to the support of Invacare Corporation, more than 400 disabled veterans are expected to ski the Rocky Mountains at the 26th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., near Aspen, from March 25-30. Recently wounded veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will participate in the event, which is the largest annual rehabilitation event of its kind in the world.
The clinic is open to all U.S. military veterans with spinal cord injuries or disease, visual impairments, certain neurological conditions, orthopedic amputations or other disabilities, who receive care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities.
During the six-day program, veterans will learn adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and be introduced to a variety of other adaptive activities and sports, such as rock climbing, scuba diving, snowmobiling. fly fishing and sled hockey.
Along with several other sponsors, Invacare will provide monetary support to help cover expenses for nearly 400 participants to attend the Clinic. Invacare will also provide a group of employees to volunteer throughout the duration of the event.
“Invacare is proud to support U.S. military veterans by sponsoring the 26th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic,” said Gerry Blouch, president and chief executive officer, Invacare Corporation. “Invacare’s brand promise is making life’s experiences possible, and this is fully embodied by those veterans skiing, playing hockey and participating in other adaptive sports at the Winter Sports Clinic.”
Invacare is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor in the $8 billion worldwide market for medical equipment used in the home. The Company designs, manufactures and distributes an extensive line of health care products for the non-acute care environment, including the home health care, retail and extended care markets.
In addition to the generous sponsorship of Invacare, the event is co-sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the VA.
The VA (www.va.gov) is a government agency that runs 1,300 health care facilities for veterans across the United States. DAV (www.dav.org) is a nonprofit, Congressionally chartered veterans service organization with a membership of more than 1.3 million wartime disabled veterans. The Winter Sports Clinic provides participants with a full range of sports, recreation and educational opportunities.
Invacare Corporation (NYSE:IVC), headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of innovative home and long-term care medical products that promote recovery and active lifestyles. The Company has 6,200 associates and markets its products in 80 countries around the world. The Company was named to the 2011 Fortune 1000 list and to the 2011 IndustryWeek U.S. Manufacturing 500. For more information about the Company and its products, visit Invacare’s website at www.invacare.com.
To learn more information on the event visit www.wintersportsclinic.com.