Press (Winter 05/06)

Whistler Hosts Athlete Development Clinics for Alpine Skiers and Snowboarders with a Disability
Apr. 19, 2006
For Immediate Release

Saturday April 21st and Sunday April 22nd 2006
The Disabled Skiers Association of BC, (DSABC) and the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program,(WASP) are hosting an Athlete Development Clinic for targeted BC Alpine Skiers as well as the Scotiabank Snowboard High Performance camp.

The goal of the clinic is to bring together targeted athletes with a disability who have taken part in regional camps and competitions this season. These athletes are now coming together in an initiative to help them plan and train for the future. There will also be a few athletes from the BC Provincial Disabled ski team out on the hill to motivate those new to racing and to get a few more runs under their skis before the season ends. This is the first year that this camp has included some elite snowboarders who are setting their sights on making the sport part of the 2010 Paralympics.

The athletes will have the chance to work with Brad Lennea, from the National Disabled ski team who is recently returned from a great performance at the 2006 Paralympics in Torino.

They will work with Dana Williams assistant Coach of the Canadian Disabled Ski team and Phil Chew, coach of the BC Disabled Ski team and past Paralympian as well as some great coaches for the snowboarders.

The development of the WASP adaptive snowboarding program and support of the snowboard athletes attending this clinic has been made possible by the generous sponsorship from Scotiabank.

This is the last camp in the season for DSABC's high performance program that has been made possible by Game Plan BC and the generous support of Telus.

Media are requested to confirm attendance ahead of time in order to arrange athlete availability and logistics.

For more information contact Chelsey Walker of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program at +1-604-935-9406 or aptive.com">cwalkerleradaptive.com
Or Sian Blyth at 604-202-7364

World Tour Wheelchair Dance clinics
The World Tour Wheelchair Dance clinics are coming to Vancouver & Edmonton this spring! These dynamic and interactive two-day clinics will provide the medical community and wheelchair dance enthusiasts with the tools to learn the theory and techniques to realize the compelling physical, social, psychological, and medical benefits of Wheelchair Dance. Lucienne Swinnen, professional dance teacher and Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Wheelchair Dance in Belgium will conduct these clinics.
Click here for full event information and registration details at www.sportimprovement.com

A season of memorable moments and remarkable results for the Canadian Disabled Alpine Ski Team
Read this story online about the National Championships & results. Our BC Team members (as well as past BC Team members) are quoted in the story several times... BC swept the field!
Click here to view story at CanadianSport.ca

Press Release
Mar. 23, 2006
For Immediate Release

SCOTIABANK SUPPORTS ADAPTIVE SNOWBOARDING
WHISTLER ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM HOSTS "LEARN TO RIDE DAY" APRIL 1st IN WHISTLER, BC

The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) is hosting twelve snowboarders with disabilities, twenty volunteers and Ross Rebagliati for the Scotiabank "Learn to Ride Day". Instructors from WASP, Whistler-Blackcomb, and Vancouver Adaptive Snowsports will be providing instruction to students who snowboard. Students from Vancouver, Smithers, and the Sea to Sky corridor will work with the instructors to develop their skills and learn from the incredible talent of an athlete like Ross Rebagliati.

The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is dedicated to the support of adaptive snowboarding at a grassroots level. Thanks to support from Scotiabank, aimed specifically at developing a world class adaptive snowboarding program in Whistler, WASP plans to continue to offer snowboarding programs to an even greater number of participants.

The need for both grassroots and development of adaptive snowboarding has never been greater. With its move to being nationally and internationally recognized as a sport, programs such as WASP will be fundamental in creating the opportunity needed to introduce participants to this exciting adaptive sport.

The funds provided by Scotiabank enable the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program to extend training opportunities to our instructors, purchase equipment specific to adaptive snowboarding and to host events such as the one being held on April 1, 2006. The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program also plans on hosting our first Adaptive Snowboarding Race on April 22, 2006.

The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is proud to partner with Scotiabank and Whistler-Blackcomb to make such opportunities possible.

For further information please contact:
Chelsey Walker
Tel: +1-604-935-9406
Email: aptive.com">cwalkerleradaptive.com

Comedy for a Cause
Click here to view story in Pique Newsmagazine

Aiming for gold - or at least recognition
Click here to view story on Capital News Online

Whistler Adaptive program matures
Click here to view story in The Question

Canada Qualifies Full 2006 Paralympic Games Team
Click here to view story at CanadianSport.ca

Press Release
Jan. 12, 2006
For Immediate Release

The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is hosting Beth Fox from the National Sports Center for the Disabled from January 14 to January 17th. Beth is providing training on Cognitive Disabilities to forty volunteers and instructors with WASP as well as participants from as far away as Vancouver Island. WASP is proud to partner with the International Skiing Fellowship of the Rotarians to make such training opportunities possible.

Beth Fox brings to Whistler her vast experience in Adaptive Sport. Her current position is the Operations Manager for the National Sports Centre for the Disabled, as well as being a PSIA Advanced Educator for Adaptive Skiing. She frequently acts as a presenter for teaching techniques for Adaptive Sport. Beth Fox holds PSIA Level 3 Certification in Adaptive and Alpine disciplines as well as a Level 2 PSIA Nordic Certification. She has written numerous articles concerning adaptive skiing, disability and teaching. She has been inducted into the National Disabled Ski Hall of Fame. Beth's visit has been initiated by a grant provided by the International Skiing Fellowship of the Rotarians.

The International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians is dedicated to the support of adaptive skiing worldwide. Through its charity foundation arm, the ISFR donates money annually to adaptive ski programs in Canada, the US and abroad. Whistler Adaptive Ski Program has been assisted financially by the ISFR and the Rotary Club of Whistler since 1999 when the ISFR visited Whistler on its annual ski week. Anchorage, Alaska, is the ISFR venue for 2006 and we are hopeful they will return to Whistler in 2008.

The ISFR views WASP as a model of a well run adaptive ski program. Training for the adaptive ski instructors is a primary focus of the ISFR, such as the clinic for forty participants this weekend. The Rotary Club supports specialized ski equipment and facilities such as the elevator and equipment building at the Olympic Gondola Station. Most ISFR attention is on recreational skiing for all levels of ability but the 2010 Paralympics will show that competition is also a strong incentive for learning skiing skills.

WASP continues to work with its many sponsors to create training opportunities and professional development for the many volunteers and instructors who work with Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding. These training opportunities help WASP achieve its vision and mission. Scotia Bank, Rotary, the Festival of Lights, the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation, the BC Rehab Foundation, the Westin, Coast and Pan Pacific Hotels all provide the much appreciated support for initiatives spearheaded by the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program. Our partner, Whistler-Blackcomb, also helps to ensure that the WASP lessons meet the level of excellence expected when delivering adaptive lessons.


Home Programs/Register About Us Contact Us Events Calendar Corporate Partners Photo Gallery Links Recent Press Member Information Donations Store	Press (Winter 05/06) Whistler Hosts Athlete Development Clinics for Alpine Skiers and Snowboarders with a Disability Apr. 19, 2006 For Immediate Release Saturday April 21st and Sunday April 22nd 2006 The Disabled Skiers Association of BC, (DSABC) and the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program,(WASP) are hosting an Athlete Development Clinic for targeted BC Alpine Skiers as well as the Scotiabank Snowboard High Performance camp. The goal of the clinic is to bring together targeted athletes with a disability who have taken part in regional camps and competitions this season. These athletes are now coming together in an initiative to help them plan and train for the future. There will also be a few athletes from the BC Provincial Disabled ski team out on the hill to motivate those new to racing and to get a few more runs under their skis before the season ends. This is the first year that this camp has included some elite snowboarders who are setting their sights on making the sport part of the 2010 Paralympics. The athletes will have the chance to work with Brad Lennea, from the National Disabled ski team who is recently returned from a great performance at the 2006 Paralympics in Torino. They will work with Dana Williams assistant Coach of the Canadian Disabled Ski team and Phil Chew, coach of the BC Disabled Ski team and past Paralympian as well as some great coaches for the snowboarders. The development of the WASP adaptive snowboarding program and support of the snowboard athletes attending this clinic has been made possible by the generous sponsorship from Scotiabank. This is the last camp in the season for DSABC's high performance program that has been made possible by Game Plan BC and the generous support of Telus. Media are requested to confirm attendance ahead of time in order to arrange athlete availability and logistics. For more information contact Chelsey Walker of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program at +1-604-935-9406 or aptive.com">cwalkerleradaptive.com Or Sian Blyth at 604-202-7364 World Tour Wheelchair Dance clinics The World Tour Wheelchair Dance clinics are coming to Vancouver & Edmonton this spring! These dynamic and interactive two-day clinics will provide the medical community and wheelchair dance enthusiasts with the tools to learn the theory and techniques to realize the compelling physical, social, psychological, and medical benefits of Wheelchair Dance. Lucienne Swinnen, professional dance teacher and Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Wheelchair Dance in Belgium will conduct these clinics. Click here for full event information and registration details at www.sportimprovement.com A season of memorable moments and remarkable results for the Canadian Disabled Alpine Ski Team Read this story online about the National Championships & results. Our BC Team members (as well as past BC Team members) are quoted in the story several times... BC swept the field! Click here to view story at CanadianSport.ca Press Release Mar. 23, 2006 For Immediate Release SCOTIABANK SUPPORTS ADAPTIVE SNOWBOARDING WHISTLER ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM HOSTS "LEARN TO RIDE DAY" APRIL 1st IN WHISTLER, BC The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) is hosting twelve snowboarders with disabilities, twenty volunteers and Ross Rebagliati for the Scotiabank "Learn to Ride Day". Instructors from WASP, Whistler-Blackcomb, and Vancouver Adaptive Snowsports will be providing instruction to students who snowboard. Students from Vancouver, Smithers, and the Sea to Sky corridor will work with the instructors to develop their skills and learn from the incredible talent of an athlete like Ross Rebagliati. The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is dedicated to the support of adaptive snowboarding at a grassroots level. Thanks to support from Scotiabank, aimed specifically at developing a world class adaptive snowboarding program in Whistler, WASP plans to continue to offer snowboarding programs to an even greater number of participants. The need for both grassroots and development of adaptive snowboarding has never been greater. With its move to being nationally and internationally recognized as a sport, programs such as WASP will be fundamental in creating the opportunity needed to introduce participants to this exciting adaptive sport. The funds provided by Scotiabank enable the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program to extend training opportunities to our instructors, purchase equipment specific to adaptive snowboarding and to host events such as the one being held on April 1, 2006. The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program also plans on hosting our first Adaptive Snowboarding Race on April 22, 2006. The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is proud to partner with Scotiabank and Whistler-Blackcomb to make such opportunities possible. For further information please contact: Chelsey Walker Tel: +1-604-935-9406 Email: aptive.com">cwalkerleradaptive.com Comedy for a Cause Click here to view story in Pique Newsmagazine Aiming for gold - or at least recognition Click here to view story on Capital News Online Whistler Adaptive program matures Click here to view story in The Question Canada Qualifies Full 2006 Paralympic Games Team Click here to view story at CanadianSport.ca Press Release Jan. 12, 2006 For Immediate Release The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is hosting Beth Fox from the National Sports Center for the Disabled from January 14 to January 17th. Beth is providing training on Cognitive Disabilities to forty volunteers and instructors with WASP as well as participants from as far away as Vancouver Island. WASP is proud to partner with the International Skiing Fellowship of the Rotarians to make such training opportunities possible. Beth Fox brings to Whistler her vast experience in Adaptive Sport. Her current position is the Operations Manager for the National Sports Centre for the Disabled, as well as being a PSIA Advanced Educator for Adaptive Skiing. She frequently acts as a presenter for teaching techniques for Adaptive Sport. Beth Fox holds PSIA Level 3 Certification in Adaptive and Alpine disciplines as well as a Level 2 PSIA Nordic Certification. She has written numerous articles concerning adaptive skiing, disability and teaching. She has been inducted into the National Disabled Ski Hall of Fame. Beth's visit has been initiated by a grant provided by the International Skiing Fellowship of the Rotarians. The International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians is dedicated to the support of adaptive skiing worldwide. Through its charity foundation arm, the ISFR donates money annually to adaptive ski programs in Canada, the US and abroad. Whistler Adaptive Ski Program has been assisted financially by the ISFR and the Rotary Club of Whistler since 1999 when the ISFR visited Whistler on its annual ski week. Anchorage, Alaska, is the ISFR venue for 2006 and we are hopeful they will return to Whistler in 2008. The ISFR views WASP as a model of a well run adaptive ski program. Training for the adaptive ski instructors is a primary focus of the ISFR, such as the clinic for forty participants this weekend. The Rotary Club supports specialized ski equipment and facilities such as the elevator and equipment building at the Olympic Gondola Station. Most ISFR attention is on recreational skiing for all levels of ability but the 2010 Paralympics will show that competition is also a strong incentive for learning skiing skills. WASP continues to work with its many sponsors to create training opportunities and professional development for the many volunteers and instructors who work with Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding. These training opportunities help WASP achieve its vision and mission. Scotia Bank, Rotary, the Festival of Lights, the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation, the BC Rehab Foundation, the Westin, Coast and Pan Pacific Hotels all provide the much appreciated support for initiatives spearheaded by the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program. Our partner, Whistler-Blackcomb, also helps to ensure that the WASP lessons meet the level of excellence expected when delivering adaptive lessons.