I want to express my thanks and appreciation for all of your support and help. I never dreamed that I could snow ski or go white water rafting having multiple sclerosis, but with your encouragement, confidence and belief that I could – I surprised myself! I haven’t been involved in any physical activities for fun in many years until I became involved in DSUSA programs. Julianne Vertnik
My name is Owen Erquiaga, and I am 14 years old. I love to ski and I think the adaptive program is really cool because it’s a place set aside for people with disabilities. I am in a wheelchair because I have spina bifida. Skiing is one of my favorite things to do. When I grow up, I hope to become a part-time instructor in an adaptive ski program somewhat.
Owen Erquiaga
II just wanted to let you all know that I made the US Disabled Ski team and will be skiing in the Paralympics. Woohhhhhooo!! Most of all I wanted to thank you for making my first experience on skis so much fun. Not many people would have allowed me to try it on my own the way you did. My first goal was independence and you weren’t afraid to let me try. I will always be grateful for the open door you allowed me to see.
Dan Metivier
Thank you for providing our son Hunter with adaptive lessons through your scholarship program. Your friendly environment made skiing possible for Hunter and gave him such a feeling of accomplishment and empowerment. At last he could do something everybody else did. The fact that so many people come together to give their god given talent and time to our little boy means so much to us and to him.
Faith Yeider
To all the staff and volunteers of Disabled Sports USA who made this spectacular weekend at Donner Lake possible, to you we send our heartfelt thanks. Since 1988, we have grown in admiration and appreciation for all of you who are dedicated to the Disabled Sports programs. The joy that you have channeled into Sheila’s life sustains her all year from the snow skiing to water skiing, to riding the rapids, to the camp outs at Donner lake and the 4-wheel drive adventures. How you physically endure these weekends and remain unfailingly sensitive, friendly, patient, and attentive to everyone’s need is remarkable!! You are special people and have blessed many through your unselfish efforts. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for enriching not only Sheila’s life, but our lives as well.
Elizabeth and Matt Olig
…It is difficult to put into words the deep gratitude we, as parents of a severely autistic boy, feel toward the people who are willing to make a difference in his life. When a boy’s life is one of isolation and exclusion from simple pleasures that most of us take for granted (i.e. having a conversation), it is utterly exhilarating for his parents to see him laughing, happy and excited to meet the challenge of an activity, like skiing, independently of them!
Pat, Linda, Christopher and the Boys
On behalf of the Bridge School staff, I want to thank Disabled Sports USA for a very successful day of skiing. Our school serves students with severe physical disabilities. For many of them our annual ski trip is the only chance they have all year to enjoy the outdoors and experience the mountains. Each year they return home with a certain excitement and feeling of accomplishment. What we are especially impressed with is the caliber of your volunteers. Every one of them is caring, enthusiastic and genuinely tuned in to each participant’s potential. It is truly amazing for us as teachers to stand back and watch the smiles of joy spread to all involved…
The Bridge School
As the parent of a special needs child, your program was a blessing. The Disabled Sports program provided my child with the opportunity to participate in activities I thought he would never be able to do. It was more than obvious that this program has helped immensely with his self-esteem and confidence to try new things. My son learned a very important lesson from his two skiing adventures: it is okay to fall down providing you are willing to pick yourself up and try again.
Local parent
