DASA Sports/Gateway Disabled Ski Program

DASA Sports/Gateway Disabled Ski Program Opens with New Military Programs.

2011-01-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

DASA Sports/Gateway Disabled Ski Program now reserves Tuesday Evenings from January 3 through March 1, 2011 for our service men and women and their families. If you know of a wounded soldier or family with a deployed father or husband tell them about these Special Programs for Wounded Veterans and Recovering Active Duty Soldiers, Duty Bound Kids whose parent(s) are serving abroad and soldiers families who are staying at Fisher House while receiving rehabilitation services at Jefferson Barracks and John Cochran VA Hospital.

WOUNDED VETERANS & RECOVERING ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIERS
The Gateway Disabled Ski Program in cooperation with Jeffer- son Barracks and John Cochran Veterans Administration Medical Center is proud to present a special evening for Wounded Veterans and Recovering Active Duty Soldiers that includes service mem- bers who have received injuries leading to a permanent disability, while fighting for our country and while fighting the Global War on Terrorism.
Providing healthy opportunities for adventure through snow sport, GDSP provides a positive experience through energetic involvement in a challenging outdoor activity.
The sudden traumatic change in physical ability makes service members vulnerable to psychological and emotional tribulation that impacts them, their families and community.
With the proper adaptive equipment and trained instructors the Gateway Disabled Ski Program provides an opportunity to acheive through snow sport. The immediate success experienced through snow sports provides the foundation for the development of a positive self-image and the knowledge that achievement is limited only by one’s imagination.
Skiing is a sport that levels the playing field. Whether a skier is an adaptive or able bodied skier each must learn to master the snow sport equipment. Adaptive snow sport equipment may include mono-skis, bi-skis, dual-skis, snow bikes, snow-sliders, adaptive snowboards, outriggers and other adaptive equipment.
Adaptive ski equipment is designed to be placed on chairlifts. Skilled disabled skiers can learn to ski all terrain, Many disabled skiers compete in slalom, giant slalom and downhill competition for fun and skill development.

DUTY BOUND KIDS
Duty Bound Kids is a special new program designed for children whose parents are currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and military stations throughout the world.
Children whose parents are absent due to separation, relocation or death of a loved one experience emotional and psychological stress from the necessary sacrifices of their parents deployment and military service to our country.
Through Duty Bound Kids the Gateway Disabled Ski Program’s professionally trained volunteers help to reduce the children’s stress through an environment of healthy adventure. Snow sports create a positive experience through energetic involvement in a challenging outdoor activity that’s fun and builds self-esteem and confidence while providing an opportunity to achieve with caring instructors and children undergoing a similar life circumstance.

FISHER HOUSE FAMILIES
This exciting new program has been founded by Lyle Siemer to provide services to Veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families during their temporary stay at Fisher House.
Fisher house in St. Louis provides warm, caring, comfortable and convenient lodging for family members at no charge as their loved one receives specialized treatment for single or multiple traumas including traumatic brain injury, advanced prosthetics and mental health.
A very special thanks goes to St. Louis Pest Control Association whose generosity has underwritten this program. Their generosity allows Gateway Disabled Ski Program to be the first adaptive ski program in our Nation to extend our services to family members residing at Fisher House in St. Louis.
The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease or injury. GDSP and DASA’s volunteers are privileged to provide an evening of respite, fun and adventure to families during this difficult time.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Gateway Disabled Ski Program 2011Calendar of Events

2010-11-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

gdsp.org

Follow this link, gdsp.org for calendar updates.

Questions and Answers regarding GDSP & DASA

2010-11-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

What does this partnership mean to the Volunteers and Athletes?Partnering with DASA will help to insure the uninterrupted continuity of the Gateway Disabled Ski Program. It will insure quality training from America’s finest Certified Adaptive Snowsport Instructors and modern up-to-date adaptive snowsport equipment. What changes will I see at Hidden Valley Ski Area?Visible changes will be minimal. Next season there will be a paid seasonal director who will manage registration and the day-to-day administrative duties for athletes and volunteers. Will there be changes in the programs offered to athletes?Yes, beginning in January 2011 the Gateway Disabled Ski Program in partnership with DASA will offer Programs for athletes with physical disabilities on Monday as usual but we will also offer Tuesday evening programs for Wounded Warriors, Fisher House Families and Duty Bound Kids from Jefferson Barracks and John Cochran Veterans Administration. Thursday programs for athletes who are blind or visually impaired, athletes, with cognitive challenges and Special Olympic athletes will remain unchanged. All other programs such as the School Field Trip Programs and Children Ski Camps will continue as usual. Will there be in additional costs to the athletes? NO. Season Pass fees will remain the same as last year. Hidden Valley offers a special discount price of $50.00 Monday through Thursday for a Season Pass without rentals. With rental the cost is $75.00. Will there be additional costs to volunteers? No, Program fees will remain the same as last year for Monday through Thursday season passes and rentals. Hidden Valley offers a $50.00 Monday through Thursday Season Pass without rental. With rental the cost is $75.00. An any day season pass for volunteers will be $300.00, add $125.00 for rentalsWill Special Olympic athletes still have the opportunity to compete in the Heartland Games?Yes, We will continue to provide race opportunities for Special Olympians at the Heartland Games. Will scholarships be available for athletes in need?Yes. Applications are available on our website, gdsp.org. What other benefits will come from the partnership with DASA? DASA offers different year round sports. Future possibilities may include opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in other year round sports offered by DASA. DASA works closely with the United States Paralympics Program. Future opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to compete in sanctioned races are a possibility. What other sports are offered by DASA? A variety of sports are offered: such as Basketball, Swimming, Track and Road Racing, Golf, Martial Arts, Archery, Sled Hockey, Rock Climbing, Stand-up Soccer, and Power Soccer. A family and friend event might include a trip to a professional sporting event, horseback riding, or a picnic. Where can I learn more about the Disabled Athlete Sports Association, DASA?You can log onto the DASA website at www.dasasports.org or call (636) 477-0716 .Should you have any additional questions or concerns feel free to contact me by phone 636-938-6478 or e-mail at mailto:snowski@dasasports.orgThank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you with great anticipation and excitement for this wonderful opportunity to improve GDSP and become part of this comprehensive respected sports program.

Gateway Disabled Ski Program Joins DASA Disabled Athletes Sports Association

2010-11-20T21:58:00.000-08:00

From the President’s Desk:I hope you have all enjoyed the fall months and look forward to the 2010/2011 Gateway Disabled Ski Program Season. I am pleased to announce some exciting changes that will benefit Athletes and Volunteers alike and insure uninterrupted continuity of the Gateway Disabled Ski Program. In November 2010 the Gateway Disabled Ski Program became part of the Disabled Athletes Sports Association (DASA), an acclaimed program that began in 1997 with Executive Director, Kelly Behlmann’s dream. DASA, dedicated to providing exercise, physical fitness and confidence and the meaning of team to children and adults with disabilities has expanded to groom national champions, international record breakers and Paralympics athletes.As with the Gateway Disabled Ski Program DASA provides specially trained staff and its own adaptive equipment lab providing activities to individuals with any physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioral diagnosis. The DASA mission “All of those who live with a physical or visual disability will be given the opportunity to participate in therapeutic sports and fitness activities designed to improve self-esteem and to promote growth and well-being while instilling family values” provides a perfect compliment to the Gateway Disabled Ski Program. On page two we answer your questions about how our partnership with DASA will affect our athletes and volunteers. I encourage you to read it carefully and contact either Kelly or me with any questions you may have. Highlights from the 2009-2010 season include our Special Olympian’s accomplishments at the Regional Heartland Games at Snow Creek. Our Special Olympic athletes bring us great pride in their accomplishments and 2010 was no exception as 11 athletes brought home 23 medals in Slalom, Giant Slalom and Downhill events. Thank you to Jay Pidcock and all the volunteers for arranging and staffing this special event.We welcomed Bill Bowness back along with Terri Henderson; two of the nations top Professional Ski Instructor’s of America trainers for three days of clinics for volunteers and athletes covering all disciplines of adaptive skiing. This year Geoff Krill, PSIA Adaptive Team Member and PSIA Instructor will teach our Volunteer Adaptive Clinic on January 7, 8 and 9, 2011. Children’s Ski Camps with organizations such as Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments, School field trips, scouts and other community programs allow us to bring the thrill of snowsports to a wide and diverse range of athletes. Thanks to all of our volunteers who dedicate their valuable time and resources to guide athletes to success. The door to achievement is inviting, open and waiting for all of us to pass the threshold that only the thrill of sports can bring. Lastly, the premature speculation and drama on the demise of Hidden Valley has finally concluded. They will remain stronger then ever adding a Tube Hill, enlarged lodge and new offices for the 2010 season and plans for expansion in the future.

Ski Season is Just Around the Corner!

2010-09-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Ski season is just around the corner and we are working hard to prepare for athletes and volunteers. Skiing is always just a bit easier when we are prepared and this blogsite will help you be ready for the snow when Hidden Valley opens in December. Here is something to think about for anyone interested in tethering or outskiing. A sit down athlete often helps to control his or her turns through the position of their body. For instance a sit down skier may use a seat drop to the left or right to enhance their ability to turn efficiently. You can get a feel for this while riding your bicycle. Simply drop one side of your seat and be aware of the effect it has on your bicycle to help you get the feel for a skiers turn. When Hidden Valley open's we will offer on the snow training for tetherers and outskiers. You will have an opportunity to ski in adaptive ski equipment helping you to become a better and more knowledgable instructor.

Board of Directors Meeting

2010-09-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

The Gateway Disabled Ski Program September Board of Directors Meeting will be held on September 20, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Alpine Shop in Kirkwood. This meeting is open to all interested persons.

Gateway Disabled Ski Program Board of Directors Meeting

2010-03-20T10:17:00.003-07:00

The Gateway Disabled Ski Program Board of Directors Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March, 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cici's Pizza on Manchester Road. Volunteers and Athletes are welcome.

Gateway Disabled Ski Training Programs this weekend!

2010-01-22T15:05:00.000-08:00

All Gateway Disabled Ski Programs with Bill Bowness and Terri Henderson this weekend will be held rain or shine!Tonight - Bill Bowness and Warren Miller Film. at Hidden Valley Lodge from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

An Evening with Bill Bowness

2010-01-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

When: Friday, January 22, 2010Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Where: Hidden Valley Lodge“I yam what I yam” Bill has always been an athlete and competitor; prior to his injury and after. “Just because I became injured, there was not a metamorphosis that changed my outlook of sports. Athletics has taken me around the world, provided me with a vocation and kept me healthy and strong.” Sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities needs to be more than a ‘diversion’; it can be a lifestyle choice as it is for the able bodied. Bill’s talk will be followed by a question and answer session an a Warren Miller Ski Movie. About Bill--In 2004, Bill was awarded the first-ever adaptive slot on the PSIA National Alpine Team, promptly earning the respect of fellow team members for his ability to instruct able-bodied alpine skiers of all levels just as well as adaptive skiers. To quote from one of his ski tips, “The similarities between the skiing techniques of a sit-down mono skier and his or her stand-up peer are more numerous than the differences.” Now Bill has become the first coach of the new PSIA Adaptive Team for 2008 to 2012. Bill has traveled the world as a silver and bronze medal-winning Paralympic athlete and an adaptive ski clinician in Korea and Spain. Currently technical director at Disabled Sports-Far West (formally Tahoe Adaptive Ski School), he also owns and operates “Unlimited Skiing” water ski school.

Dry Land Training and Season Pass Pick-up at Hidden Valley

2009-11-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

To all Volunteers and Athletes:

The Annual Gateway disAbled Ski Program Dry Land Training and Season Pass Pick-up will be held on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. sharp at Hidden Valley Ski Resort.

Season passes may be purchased and picked up at this time.

Print out your application at gdsp.org and mail or e-mail it to Hidden Valley prior to the 16th for a hassle free pass pick up on Monday.

Monday athletes will be able to schedule their snow time and adaptive ski equipment at this time.

Please note the Dry Land Training and Season Pass Pick-up originally scheduled for December 1st has been cancelled. Additional on the snow training schedule is posted at gdsp.org.

Please notify any potential Volunteers or Athletes of this change of date.

Thank you,

Pam

Dry Land Training and Season Pass Pick-up at Hidden Valley

2009-11-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

The Gateway disAbled Ski Program Dryland Training and Season Pass Pick-up

will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009, 6:30 p.m. at Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Print your Season Pass application out from the website and mail it to Hidden Valley.

Your pass will be ready for you to pick up on November 16th.

Alpine Shop Winter Swap

2009-10-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the Alpine Shop is a major contributor to the Gateway Disabled Ski Program? All proceeds from the Friday night $5.00 admission fee go to help purchase adaptive ski equipment, training and scholarships for disabled skiers.

We need your help! Athletes and Volunteers join us a the Annual Alpine Shop winter Swap for great deals on winters snowsports equipment and clothing and lots of fun!

Lets make a great showing and let the Alpine Shop know just how appreciative we are for their continuing support.

Gateway Disabled Ski Program Season Passes at Hidden Valley

2009-09-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

Print your Hidden Valley Season Pass Application from the GDSP Website, gdsp.org, and e-mail it to Hidden Valley with a recent photo for a hassle-free season pass pick up during Dry Land Training (date to be announced).

You must use the Gateway Disabled Ski Program registration form in order to receive your volunteer or athlete discount. If you have a volunteer voucher submit the voucher for payment at the time of your registration.

Getting your Season Pass....
Season Pass holders will receive a photo ID pass and must show that pass at the Hidden Valley ticket window to pick up a snow pass (lift ticket) each time they visit Hidden Valley. For added convenience pass holders can e-mail their pass photos to skihv@skihv.com to save processing time. (Headshot only, no sunglasses, no hats, and a clear, recent photo. Save photo to email in this format - FirstnameLastname.jpg) Pass IDs can also be taken at Hidden Valley in the Season Pass Sales Office on December 1st during Dry Land Training. All passes must be picked up in person!

Skiing and Snowboarding are Remarkably Safe Sports

2009-09-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

Did you know that skiing and snowboarding are no more dangerous than other high-energy participation sports. Troy Hawks of the National Ski Area Association states, "The sport has some inherent risks, but overall the sport enjoys and excellent safety record." In fact, the number of snowsport fatalities is less than the number of fatalities from swimming or bicycling. "Indeed you are twice as likely to die from being struck by lightning than suffer a fatality from skiing or snowboarding.

So come out and join in the fun! There is no need to be an expert skier to volunteer or to ski as an athlete with the Gateway Disabled Ski Program. We are here to help you learn to ski, enjoy the volunteer experience, meet new friends and have fun on the snow.

The 2009-2010 ski season is full of fun and excitement. The Gateway disAbled Ski Program is proud to have Bill Bowness return to teach our volunteers and athletes in a three day clinic that will cover the many aspects of adaptive snowsports and allow athletes an volunteers an opportunity to work and learn from a world class skier.

In 2004, Bill was awarded the first-ever adaptive slot on the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) National Alpine Team, promptly earning the respect of fellow team members for his ability to instruct able-bodied alpine skiers of all levels just as well as adaptive skiers. Now Bill has become the first coach of the new PSIA Adaptive Team for 2008 to 2012. Bill has traveled the world as a medal-winning Paralympic athlete and an adaptive ski clinician:
Silver and Bronze Paralympic athlete & Adaptive Ski Clinician in Spain and Korea.
Gold medalist in Slalom, GS, Super G and Downhill in the 1992 US Nationals.
Gold medalist in Super G at the Pre-Paralympics, Lillehammer, Norway, 1993.
Double Bronze Medalist in Downhill at Paralympics. Lillehammer, Norway 1993
Bill is currently technical director at Disabled Sports-Far West (formally Tahoe Adaptive Ski School)
Bill owns and operates “Unlimited Skiing” water ski school.

Terri Henderson, the American Snowsport Education Association Adaptive Director and Examiner will join Bill this year giving the three day clinic double star power and added excitement.

The Gateway disAbled Ski Program is proud to offer this exciting three day PSIA Accredited Adaptive Ski Clinic January 22, 23 and 24, 2010 to Volunteers, Athletes and PSIA Instructors.

Skiing and Snowboarding

2009-09-23T21:23:00.001-07:00

Ski season is just around the corner, think SNOW!

2009-09-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hi All:

We are thinking snow here at Gateway and preparing for the upcoming season. This is the first of a series of ski tips for volunteers and athletes to enhance your volunteer and skiing skills.

Always incorporate "Your Responsibility Code" into your instruction. This is a universal code posted at all ski resorts and is designed to insure you have a carefree, injury free and hassle free day on the slopes. Following this code allows you and others to create a responsible and enjoyable ski experience.

Know the code. Live the code. Share it with others.

Your Responsibility Code

Always stay in control
People ahead of you have the right of way.
Stop in a safe place for you and for others.
Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
Observe signs and warnings and keep off closed trails.
Know how to use the lifts safely.

Alpine Shop

2009-09-06T10:09:00.001-07:00

The Alpine Shop Winter Swap Meet is October 23, 24 and 25. If you need to update your snowsport equipment and wardrobe this is a great opportunity.

We need volunteers and athletes to attend to the Gateway disAbled Ski Program Booth on all three days.

2009-08-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

Hi All:

We are still soaking up the summer warmth and looking forward to a colorful fall but the snow will be flying soon and here at the Gateway disAbled Ski Program we have skiing and snowsports on our mind.

This is our first blog post as we move towards the upcoming snowsport season. We are seeking thoughts and ideas that will inform and engage volunteers and athletes and improve our programs. Professional development is high on the list:

Dry Land Training and Season Pass pick up at Hidden Valley will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Bill Bowness will return with a new, exciting series of workshops on January 23 and 24^th,2010.
We will continue training through the PSIA Programs so we can continue to bring fresh ideas back to volunteers.
Hidden Valley will offer two evenings of free ski lessons for volunteers on January 5^th and 6^th.
Tuesday the 5^th, 12^th, 19^th and 26 will be on snow training for volunteers. Learn to be a better instructor. Come and experience snowsports from the other side of the adaptive equipment. Learn about the equipment aids and “bag of tricks” that will make teaching fun for you and learning fun for the athletes you work with. Free to all volunteers.

Check back with the blog freqeuntly for ski tips and suggestions geared towards helping volunteers and athletes become a better skiers and have more fun on the snow.

Look for additional information on the ski season in the September Newsletter that will be e-mailed to you and view our website at gdsp.org.