“The Hartford Ski Spectacular is a transformative event in the lives of thousands of attendees and has been for more than three decades,” said Glenn Merry, executive director of Move United. “For 30 years, The Hartford has been an ally to the disability community and continues to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to advancing adaptive sports in our country.”
During the festival, The Hartford, along with the most decorated US Winter Paralympian in history, Oksana Masters, and Paralympic medalist Keith Gabel, surprised 13 athletes with custom-fitted adaptive sports equipment.
In collaboration with the town’s Ullr Fest, Move United also hosted the “Race for everyBODY” December 8.
Over 60 wounded military veterans, servicemembers, family, and military medical staff from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Carson Soldier Recovery Unit, as well as veterans from communities across the country participated in the event as part of their rehabilitation. Since 2003, Move United has served more than 18,500 severely wounded veterans, servicemembers and family members, offering adaptive sports programs in more than 70 different adaptive sports in 45 states through a national network of more than 225 member organizations.
“At The Hartford Ski Spectacular, I’ve learned a lot and have become a better snowboarder. It is a great opportunity for me to build on my skills, but it really inspired me to want to be a recreational therapist and instructor,” said Marine Corps veteran Cristian Martinez.
Additional event sponsors included Veritas Capital, Oshkosh Defense, Leonardo DRS, Tee It Up for the Troops, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, Breckenridge Ski Resort, and Breck Sports. The event was also funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, which also provided essential equipment and technical support to the ski spectacular.
Move United member organization Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center served as the host organization for the event. Additional contributing members included Boise Adaptive Snowsport Education, Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program, New England Disabled Sports, Oregon Adaptive Sports, Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center, Summit Adaptive, and Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports. Partnering organizations included Grand Junction VA Medical Center, Professional Ski Instructors of America-American Association of Snowboard Instructors, and Colorado Adaptive Sports Foundation.
