Thirteen Years of Wounded Warrior Operation Mountain Freedom Camp Rallies Involvement from Community
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra hosted wounded, injured, and ill service members and veterans from across the country to participate in adaptive skiing, snowboarding, and community programs.
MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif., Feb. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Blue skies, moderate temperatures, and some fresh snow set the perfect scene for wounded, ill, and injured military athletes to face their on-snow challenges during the 13th Wounded Warrior Operation Mountain Freedom (OMF), a Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) winter program for adaptive military athletes. This year's OMF had the largest number of participants to date, totaling 63 wounded warriors, staff, and guests.
From January 28 through February 1, DSES staff and volunteer instructors watched participants build confidence on the snow, discover new abilities, and connect with fellow athletes. OMF featured three days of adaptive alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing, culminating in an afternoon of snow play at Woolly's Tube Park.
Special extracurricular events during the program included a presentation by Canine Companions for Independence, , an art therapy by Project AIM (Art Inside Me), the traditional Arch of Honor where participants are cheered on by community members while going through a celebratory arch of raised ski poles, and a presentation of a new purple heart to Corporal Roy Cratty, after his original was burned in the Paradise Fire. CBS affiliate KPIX and FOX News newscasters were on site to capture the action (watch the FOX clip at: https://bit.ly/2ScIaxT).
Since the inception of OMF, the number of participants has grown exponentially as have the number of mentors. Mentors, such as Major General TS Jones (ret.), give participants hope, guidance, and inspiration. Jones told participants that their journey giving back and serving others is not over, that staying connected with others is crucial, and that this entire week was made possible by the passion, commitment, and expertise of volunteers, donors, and staff. Jones reminded everyone that the connectivity and opportunity that Operation Mountain Freedom provides is "a blessing of liberty".
"Each year we see overwhelming interest in Operation Mountain Freedom, and are always saddened to have to place veterans on the waiting list," explained Executive Director of DSES, Kathy Copeland. "The transformation we see in their lives is inspiring and we can do so much more."
DSES is raising funds to build the first-ever National Wounded Warrior Center (NWWC) in Mammoth Lakes, CA where military athletes will find connectivity and opportunity every day of the year. Having the permanent facility in Mammoth will enrich the DSES wounded warrior therapeutic recreation programs while also providing educational and vocational programs, wellness and PTSD management training, physical and mental healthcare, and more.
To join the DSES fundraising initiative, go to http://www.WoundedWarriorsMammoth.org/Donate.
About
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra is a nationally recognized adaptive sports program that offers year-round instruction for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. Based in and around beautiful Mammoth Lakes, CA, we create inspiring challenges, provide expert instruction, and rally the community to comfortably accommodate people with disabilities. Since 2007, DSES has developed lessons and programs specifically for military athletes. We are currently working on an initiative to build a comprehensive National Wounded Warrior Center to support military athletes in Mammoth Lakes throughout the year. Visit us at: http://www.DisabledSportsEasternSierra.org.
For more information on the National Wounded Warrior Center, visit: http://www.WoundedWarriorsMammoth.org.
SOURCE Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
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