High Fives Non-Profit Foundation program pushes injured veterans out of their comfort zone and into the mountains
Experiencing a life-altering injury in the name of duty for the United State Military comes with two forms of pain — physical and emotional.
The High Fives Foundation in Truckee, Calif. and the City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department in Reno, Nev. have teamed up to host a program called Military to the Mountains. Seven Injured US Military Veterans are trained for nine weeks at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center and Double Diamond Athletic Club, preparing them for a week of skiing at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows in California from April 3 to April 9, 2017. The Veterans are instructed by Achieve Tahoe adaptive ski program.
“The City of Reno is stoked to be a part of this inspiring program,” said April Wolfe, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for the City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. “The motivated group of Veterans are putting the work in, supporting each other to get physically and mentally prepared for an epic week on snow.”
The entire effort is completely organized and funded by the High Fives Foundation whose mission is to provide resources and inspiration to mountain action sports athletes with life-altering injuries.
“I actually attempted post-injury skiing for the first time earlier this season, and I really struggled” said Air Force Veteran Shay Hampton. “I can already see how the nine weeks of training will translate to the snow. I can’t wait to get back out there!”
In 2015, Military to the Mountains inspired Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows ski resort located in the Lake Tahoe area of California to join the program. The resort now provides a Silver Tahoe Super Pass to military personnel, along with a note of appreciation and a challenge coin for a donation of $25, of which all proceeds support the Military to the Mountains program and 22Kill, an organization working to raise awareness to the suicide epidemic that is plaguing US military Veterans, including education on mental health issues such as PTS.
“We’re dedicated to improving the physical and emotional health of US veterans,” said Roy Tuscany, executive director of the High Fives Foundation. “It’s been an extremely rewarding opportunity to bring all of these organizations together to honor these men and women who have been injured serving our country.”
Please enjoy and share last years’ Military to the Mountains video recap below
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