FEBRUARY 17, 2020 – Achieve Tahoe, a leading provider of winter and summer adaptive sports instruction for adults and children with disabilities, hosted its 11th annual Anthem Winter Ski Fest January 22-25, in North Lake Tahoe. Sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Warfighter Sports, a program offered by Disabled Sports USA, the program provided a group of veterans who were wounded during their service with adaptive ski and snowboard equipment and personalized lessons, overnight accommodations in the Village at Squaw Valley, meals and transportation.
“Achieve Tahoe is excited to once again provide specialized instruction to our service men and women with disabilities and help them build confidence, independence and find healing through this great event.” said Haakon Lang-Ree, Executive Director of Achieve Tahoe. “Thanks to the support of Anthem Blue Cross, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Disabled Sports USA, this event has a tremendous impact on the participants and their families and we’re proud to continue to be a part of it.”
“Core to Anthem Blue Cross’ values is our commitment to improving the lives and the communities that we are privileged to serve,” said Greg Poulakos, President, Life, Disability and Supplemental Health, Anthem Blue Cross. “Through strategic partnerships with organizations like DSUSA and Achieve Tahoe, we are able to a make a difference in the lives of veterans who have made great sacrifices in defending our freedoms and liberties. For those who return from service with disabilities, the challenges they face can go beyond just physical and many may face depression, PTSD and other health issues that can affect their overall wellbeing. That’s why it’s so important to foster a whole person health approach that includes physical, mental and emotional wellness, which can be developed through sports and physical activity. Anthem Blue Cross is proud to once again sponsor the Winter Ski Fest and we were thrilled to see these heroes enjoying the fun and health benefits of skiing with their families and other veterans.”
“For 11 years, Anthem Blue Cross has supported veterans with disabilities by helping them rebuild their lives through sport,” said Glenn Merry, executive director of Disabled Sports USA. “We thank Anthem Blue Cross for their steadfast commitment to helping veterans thrive in sport and in life.”
The injured veterans traveled to the area from all over the country to participate in private ski and snowboard instruction specifically designed to support their physical therapy, boost their emotional well-being, build their confidence and ultimately help their re-integration into their communities. The attendees were also invited to bring a guest to share in their experience, and to provide them with support and encouragement.
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About Achieve Tahoe
Achieve Tahoe is a North Lake Tahoe-based non-profit organization that provides year-round outdoor recreation programs for children and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities. The organization, founded in 1967, is the longest operating adaptive sports program in the country, and is dedicated to providing affordable, inclusive physical and recreational activities that build health and confidence through winter and summer programs. To learn more or to help, visit www.achievetahoe.org.
About Anthem Blue Cross
Life and Disability products underwritten by Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company. Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. To learn more about Specialty benefits, visit www.specialtybenefits.info/ca/.
Disabled Sports USA
Founded in 1967, Disabled Sports USA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence and fitness through participation in sports. What began as a program to serve Vietnam veterans has since grown into one of the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability organizations, annually serving more than 60,000 wounded warriors, youth and adults with disabilities. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Disabled Sports USA offers programs in more than 50 summer and winter sports through its nationwide network of more than 120 community-based chapters. For more information, visit their website.
Warfighter Sports
Warfighter Sports, a program of Disabled Sports USA, offers sports rehabilitation for wounded warriors with permanent physical disabilities in military hospitals and communities across the U.S. in partnership with a nationwide network of over 120 community-based chapters. Since 1967, Disabled Sports USA has proudly served wounded warriors, including those injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, offering over 50 winter and summer sports at more than 100 events each year. Warfighter Sports rebuilds lives through sports by improving self-confidence, promoting independence and uniting families through shared healthy activities. Expenses for participation of the warrior and a family member are covered, including individualized adaptive instruction, adaptive sports equipment, transportation, lodging and meals. Since 2003, more than 13,000 of the most severely wounded and their families have been served, including those with amputations, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, and significant nerve and muscle damage. For more information, visit their website.
