Cheers to Air Force Veteran Salvador Vasquez, who saw great success at the 40th annual National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado an event that is more than just skiing “it’s about reclaiming strength and confidence after devastating injuries.”
Vasquez is a Veteran of the Gulf War and has attended the clinic for the past four winters. This year, he learned how to ski without ski pole, something he had depended on in previous years for balance and stability.
“My instructors said, ‘We don’t have any poles for you,’ and I was like… What?!. But sometimes you’ve just got to push through it. That’s how you get better.” -Vasquez
The lack of poles wasn’t due to an absent minded equipment management, rather his instructors, Bruce Tubbs and Molly Nickel, had noticed he often ended his runs early due to fatigue and back pain. To address the issue, they made a deliberate call to remove the poles and push him to engage his lower body more effectively.
“We needed him to connect with what his body is doing with what his legs are doing. By taking away the poles, he couldn’t rely on them for balance, so he had to use his legs more.” -Bruce Tubbs
The poleless solution proved effective for Vasquez who ended up completing multiple descents without the need of physical support. To give a bit of background Vasquez suffered catastrophic injuries that left him questioning what his future would look like, let alone go skiing down a mountain. He broke both legs, his pelvis, neck and ribs, with some injuries so severe they displaced bones through his skin.
“I never thought I’d be skiing.” -Vasquez
Through recreation therapy at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Vasquez was introduced to adaptive sports as part of his recovery. His first experience at the Winter Sports Clinic four years ago where he started his on mountain experience on a ski bike:
“That first year, it was tough. They started me out on a ski bike.” -Vasquez
Over time he progressed back onto skis, first with support, then with poles, and now without:
“When you’re disabled, it’s hard to leave your home sometimes. You get comfortable there. But when you come out here, you’re one with everybody, especially us Veterans.” -Vasquez
We thank Air Force Veteran Salvador Vasquez for his 22 years of military service and couldn’t be happier that he is out enjoying the sport we love so dearly. Cheers to everyone involved!
Here’s an amazing recap of the 40th Annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic held at Snowmass, Colorado.
Explore adaptive sports opportunities:
Veterans interested in staying active and exploring adaptive sports can take part in a variety of VA-supported programs designed to promote recovery, resilience and independence. These national events provide opportunities to build confidence, connect with fellow Veterans, and experience activities like skiing, cycling, wheelchair sports and more, regardless of skill level or prior experience.
Here’s an amazing recap of the 40th Annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic held at Snowmass, Colorado.
