Local

Northeast Ohio Veteran to participate in National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

By Jessica Payne
A local Notheast Ohio Veteran will participate in the 39th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (NDVWSC), March 31–April 5 in Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado. John Albrecht (center), of North Canton, served in the United States Army.
A local Notheast Ohio Veteran will participate in the 39th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (NDVWSC), March 31–April 5 in Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado. John Albrecht (center), of North Canton, served in the United States Army. Courtesy

A local Notheast Ohio Veteran will participate in the 39th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (NDVWSC), March 31–April 5 in Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado.

John Albrecht, 78, of North Canton, served in the United States Army.

“The Winter Sports Clinic epitomizes the strength, courage, and determination of our Veterans,” said Jill Dietrich-Mellon, Veterans Affairs Northeast Ohio Healthcare Systems Executive Director. “I’m excited for all of the participating Veterans to have this impactful experience as part of their health care journey.”

The Veterans will take part in downhill skiing, sled hockey, and several other adaptive sports activities alongside approximately 400 fellow disabled Veterans, supported by approximately 600 volunteers and 200 sponsors.

The five-day event, affectionately called Miracles on a Mountainside, offers participants adaptive sports therapy opportunities, including skiing, sled hockey, scuba diving, snowmobiling, rock climbing, and other activities.

The Winter Sports Clinic is co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and DAV (Disabled American Veterans), with assistance from corporate sponsors and individual donors.

The first Winter Sports Clinic was held in 1987 and hosted 90 disabled Veterans. For nearly four decades, the event has helped Veterans who live with physical disabilities and wounds unseen overcome obstacles and challenge their perceived limitations.

World-class instructors and recreation therapists help Veterans experience the full potential of adaptive sports as a tool for improved health and well-being.