Dates: February 26, 2010 - February 28, 2010
Location: Liberty Mountain

Wounded Warrior Weekend at Liberty
February 26-28, 2010

Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports (BRASS) is hosting a ‘Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project Snow Sports Weekend’ at Liberty on February 26-28, 2010. BRASS will host up to ten severely wounded service members, Wounded Warriors, from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict and the Global War on Terrorism. The military personnel are currently patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC and will spend the weekend at Liberty learning to ski and snowboard.

These soldiers, airmen and marines are going through a very difficult time. They are warriors and athletes, and the majority of them are in their twenties. This sudden, traumatic change in physical ability makes service members vulnerable to psychological and emotional, as well as physical trauma which severely impacts them and their families. What they need at this stage in their recovery process is the promise of a bright and active future. With the proper adaptive equipment and trained instructors, they can successfully learn a sport – almost any sport – in one day. This immediate success provides a foundation for the development of a positive self-image and outlook on life. Sports and recreation are significant factors in enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.

In past years BRASS provided the snow sports opportunity to the Wounded Warriors free of charge, including transportation, lodging, meals, adaptive equipment and individualized instruction. Volunteers planned and executed the event for the benefit of the Wounded Warriors while involving the community. The Times & News Publishing Company of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania generously sponsored a Saturday evening banquet in honor of these soldiers. Many other local businesses and organizations also generously stepped forward with donations and charitable support.