For the fourth year in a row, Anthem Life Insurance Company supports Disabled Sports USA's Warfighter Sports program to help severely injured service men and women rebuild their lives through sports with a ski event in the Tahoe ski area in Olympic Valley, California, from April 4 through April 6. Approximately 30 wounded warriors are expected to participate in adaptive alpine skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross country skiing, sled hockey and snowmobiling as part of Disabled Sports USA's local Far West chapter.
“Many things in a person's life change when they become disabled; however, having a disability shouldn't stop someone from enjoying a full and active life that includes sports and other activities”
Warfighter Sports offers sports rehabilitation for severely wounded warriors in major military hospitals and communities across the U.S. through a nationwide network of more than 100 community-based chapters. Since 1967, Disabled Sports USA has proudly served wounded warriors, including those injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, offering more than 30 winter and summer sports at approximately 100 events each year.
"Many things in a person's life change when they become disabled; however, having a disability shouldn't stop someone from enjoying a full and active life that includes sports and other activities," said Bill Smith, president and general manager of Anthem Life. "We are very committed to helping people with disabilities get back to health, back to work and back to life. Sponsoring events such as this ski event helps us reinforce our philosophy with individuals who have given so much to this country."
When someone is first faced with the reality of a disability, they can lose confidence in themselves, become depressed and believe their lives have ended. They are often alienated from family and friends because there are no shared positive experiences. However, sports and recreational activities offer the opportunity to achieve success in a very short time period; to use this success to build self-confidence and focus on the possibilities instead of dwelling on what can no longer be done.
"Having Anthem Life continue to sponsor these types of events is a welcome treat for everyone involved," said Kirk Bauer, executive director, Disabled Sports USA and a disabled Vietnam veteran. "We know the positive impact sports and recreational activities have on successfully rehabilitating individuals with disabilities. Having the ability to participate in a sport, such as cycling, skiing, and sailing, to name a few, provides our wounded warriors with the opportunity to rebuild their self-esteem and self-confidence and reunite with family and friends in a healthy shared activity."
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