CXC announces adaptive ski program

Tue, Aug  4, 2009 - By CXC Skiing

Central Cross Country Ski Association is proud to announce the formation of an innovative Adaptive Ski Program available for individuals with physical disabilities throughout the Midwest.

CXC established a disabled ski program in 2005 by bringing the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team to the Madison, WI SuperTour event and purchasing one sit ski. Since that time, over 30 disabled individuals have participated in the program with 13 sit skis currently in use by CXC. The curriculum is growing every year. The need for enhanced programs and more adjustable sit skis is increasing rapidly.

"U.S. Paralympics is very excited in CXC's enthusiasm in helping develop an athlete pipeline for 2014 and 2018 Winter Paralympics.  CXC's foundation of a well established Nordic culture provides an excellent model to integrate people with physical disabilities", said Julie Minahan, U.S. Paralympic Skiing Development and Education Coordinator

The newly created CXC Adaptive Program is committed to providing year round cross country skiing sports specific recreational, training, and competitive athletic programs for individuals with physical disabilities. The basic program will follow the successful CXC able bodied model including recreational skiing, camps, clinics, and competitive opportunities with a direct pipeline to the US Adaptive Ski Team. The program will assist military and community agencies and medical facilities, along with ski areas and ski clubs to identify, promote, and support diverse athletic opportunities by:

• Identifying and establishing relationships with DAV, VA, PVA, military medical facilities, hospitals, physical therapy clinics and rehabilitation centers to bring awareness about the CXC Adaptive Program and available opportunities.

• Organizing and implementing seminars, clinics and events.

• Recruiting and supporting interested disabled veterans and other qualified individuals to participate in cross country ski experiences including ongoing seminars and clinics.

• Delivering educational and equipment support at no charge for continuing participation through the "Opportunity Center" Program.

• Delivering advanced training and racing opportunities for interested disabled veterans and other individuals.

• Identifying, recruiting and supporting individuals with physical and visual disabilities who are in need of sports opportunities and have the inspiration, motivation and drive for athletic excellence through existing and newly developed partnerships with sports organizations while acting as a direct pipeline to the US Adaptive Ski Team and the Paralympics.

At the outset, the primary CXC initiative will be the introduction of grass roots "Opportunity Centers" throughout the Midwestern snow belt. The goal of the Opportunity Centers will be to establish a model that can be adopted by ski areas and clubs around the region and beyond.  Selected ski areas and clubs in the Midwest will qualify as Opportunity Centers to offer loaner equipment and provide clinics, instructions and events at no charge to the users. Opportunity Centers will help rejuvenate strong family bonds and friendships by including family and friends in the sport and recreational activities wherever possible including the use of loaner equipment.

CXC will supervise these centers in developing skills and ability-appropriate trail systems, provide staff and instructor's education and ensure facility accessibility. CXC will manufacture 100+ fully adjustable sit skis. These sit skis and all the necessary equipment for stand up and visually impaired skiers will be distributed without charge to these Opportunity Centers.

Competitive program planning will be designed based on a 4 year Paralympic cycle, allowing athletes to strive for excellence. Athletic priorities will be consistent with CXC, U.S. Adaptive Ski Team, U.S. Paralympic Committee, program supporters, and sponsor expectations.  

"I feel like the Central Cross Country Ski Association has adopted the U.S. Adaptive Cross Country Team.  It's an unbelievable feeling to know that you're part of a division that is visionary and committed to excellence.  What a great family to embrace our program", commented Jon Kreamelmeyer, U.S. Adaptive Cross Country Development Team coach and coordinator.

The CXC Adaptive Program will be directed by Scott Wilson. For further information or to inform interested individuals please contact Scott Wilson at 715.462.9911 or [email protected] .

Follow developments on http://www.cxcskiing.org/site_pages/adaptive/about