WINTERGREEN, Virginia ??” On January 29 and 30, twelve US soldiers and marines that were injured during the war in Iraq or Bosnia will be learning to ski at Wintergreen Resort. Volunteers with the Wintergreen Adaptive Skiing organization are providing free instruction and Wintergreen Resort is providing free lift tickets, equipment rentals and meals while the resort community is providing housing and a pitch-in banquet for these heroes.

Wintergreen Adaptive Skiing (WAS) is a nonprofit organization that encourages children and adults with disabilities to discover new abilities through alpine skiing and snowboarding. WAS offers fun, exhilaration and the chance to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends to people of all ages and with every imaginable disability.

Michael Zuckerman, Director of the WAS program said “We are excited and consider it an honor to have the opportunity to help some of our nation’s heroes experience the joys of skiing.”

The event is organized by Disabled Sports USA and their executive director, Kirk Bauer will be bringing the twelve individuals to Wintergreen.

“After 911, this country called upon these fine young men and women to protect us in the War on Terrorism. Now they look to us in their time of need. I am very grateful to the Wintergreen community and our chapter, Wintergreen Adaptive Skiing, for enabling Disabled Sports USA to help rebuild their lives.” said Bauer.

Many of the soldiers and marines have lost arms or legs during battle but are nonetheless looking forward to a weekend of skiing. After a full day of skiing on the slopes on Saturday, the 29th, the soldiers and marines will be treated to a dinner provided by volunteers in the Wintergreen community who want to show their appreciation for the service these twelve have given to our nation.