THANK YOU WELLS FARGO

 

Thank you for sponsoring the Ability Celebration.

 

Ability Celebration

April 2 – April 7, 2013

Alpine Meadows & Squaw Valley, CA

 

Wounded Warrior Ability Camp April 2 – 7

The Ability Challenge April 5 & 6

19^th Annual Ability BASH Banquet April 6

 

Honoring Wounded Warriors

Disabled in the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

 

This event celebrates the accomplishments of Disabled Sports USA Far West, our participants, volunteers and honored guests. The Ability BASH on Saturday evening, April 6^th, is the culmination of a five-day event highlighting the abilities of people with disabilities and the powerful positive health and confidence building effects of our programs.

 

The week starts with an Ability Camp for 25 soldiers and marines disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will receive specialized instruction in adapted snow skiing and snowboarding at the Disabled Sports Program Center at Alpine Meadows Resort. They will also participate in other winter recreation designed as part of their therapy and re-integration into the community.

 

On Friday, April 5^th, and Saturday, April 6^th, the Ability Challenge will feature donors, sponsors and disabled skiers for a fun day of on-hill activities. Participate either day. An awards presentation is scheduled at the end of each day.

 

The Ability BASH on Saturday evening, April 6^th, has been one of North Tahoe’s premier fundraising events for 19 years. This banquet, dance and silent auction is a wonderful uplifting evening for all in attendance.

 

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE ABILITY CELEBRATION

We invite you to join the Ability Celebration in 2013 by being a part of the Ability Challenge. 

 

The Ability Challenge is a critical strategy in our effort to build growing and renewable support and every person who joins the effort, like you, is an important member of the team. 

 

We are grateful that you care enough about our programs to make a donation and to ask others to do the same. That is the essence of the "event". It is a mechanism for those who care about us to reach out to their networks and invite those in them to help support our work.

 

WHY? BECAUSE YOU WILL DIRECTLY BENEFIT A CHILD WITH A DISABILTY, AN ADULT WITH EXTREME CHALLENGES OR A WOUNDED WARRIOR DISABLED IN THE WARS IN IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN.  

 

Who? The  Ability Challenge is for anyone with a love for snowsports, a love for someone with a disability, or a love for making the world a better place. 

 

What? The Ability Challenge is a season long fundraiser that culminates in an end of the season on hill celebration attended by everyone who joins our fundraising efforts by forming a team or by participating individually. The on hill celebration is designed for people of all abilities to participate together.Learn more by visiting www.abilitychallenge.net.

 

It's you and your family or friends celebrating success in reaching your fundraising goal and helping us meet ours with a great day on the mountain and an optional costume contest; your chance to be creative. 

 

How? Forming a  team is an easy, fun and rewarding way to support our cause and our great programs. There are tutorials on www.abilitychallenge.net that will show you how and we will help you every step of the way.

 

Each participant receives a lift ticket (if needed), a lunch voucher and an event memento.

 

Most importantly, receive the satisfaction of knowing you have made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by helping open the door to a world of possibilities.

GREAT SEASON UNDER WAY -- JOIN US

The recent storms have put feet of snow on the slopes and the cold weather means terrific skiing! 

Our snowsports school is now open daily with lessons available at Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley and Northstar. Visit www.disabledsports.net for more information and to make a rservation. Or call us at 530 581-4161. Reservations are essential as we fill up quickly. call in advance of your desired date(s).

Specialized adaptive equipment and our highly trained instructors make it possible for nearly anyone with any disabilty to participate. 

For those of you who would like to support our work, please visit our webpage for information on how you can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Make a donation and check out the Ability Challenge for a fun way to contribute.

 

SKI SPECTACULAR

I'm lucky to be going to Colorado to attend National's 25th Ski Spectacular an event I created about 30 years ago. It was originally called "Winterfest".

It's a great event because it includes people from DSUSA chapters across the nation and special guests. As in recent years, they will be wounded warriors permanently disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan. About 80 along with there spouses will be there. In attendance, too,wil be National's Youth Development Team comprised of aspiring paralympians.

Instructors will attend clinics conducted by the staff of PSIA's Adaptive Academy. Past President Doug sato will run the Learn to Race clinics.

I'm hoping to see you there.

WINE VS. BEER PAIRING DINNER

Saturday, December 1st

Wine vs. Beer Pairing Dinner

Benefitting Disabled Sports USA Far West

 

Sponsored by Executive Chef Sean Conry

and Longboards Bar & Grill

 

 

 

 

Please join us for a unique pairing event. With each course you will receive a paired beer and a paired wine. Drink or taste as you wish and then (just for fun) place you vote for your favorite pairing.  Enjoy the fine cuisine of award-winning Chef Sean Conry, who will dazzle you with his exquisite culinary talents! If you attended the Gourmet Dinner and Beer Pairing at the Foam Fest in 2010 and 2011, you won't want to miss this event. You know that this truly is a gourmet meal.

 

The five-course dinner will start at 5:30 p.m. and should be completed by 8:00 p.m. But, you can't rush perfection.

.

 

Come and experience beautiful Plumas County in the late fall season and then join us at Longboards Bar and Grill at the Plumas Pines Golf Resort for a "Wine vs. Beer" Pairing Dinner.

 

Longboards is located in Graeagle about 45 miles north of Truckee. Enjoy a leisurely drive with beautiful scenery. Plan to arrive early and enjoy a fun-filled day of festivities at the 18th Annual Graeagle Holiday Festival from 1-5 p.m. Horse-drawn trolley rides, refreshments and specials at participating Graeagle merchants are a few of the activities planned for the day.

 

For those a little more adventurous, Christmas tree permits are available at the Graeagle Outpost and the Chalet View Lodge. Or if you require even more action, check out www.sierratrails.org for some great mountain biking in the area. Then look forward to an exceptional dining experience ahead of you! 

 

Here is a list of discounted lodging offered especially for this event. Mention you are attending the Disabled Sports dinner December 1st when making your reservation.

 

Chalet View Lodge 530-832-5528 

 

Discount off Room Rates - Includes Continental Breakfast

 

River Pines Resort 530-836-2552

10% Discount off its $90 Winter Rate

 

Graeagle Vacation Rentals 530-836-2500

One-night Condominium Rental:

3 Bedroom/3 Beds/$249.80

4 Bedroom/4 Beds/$277.05 or 4 Bedroom/5 Beds/$304.30

WE ARE GEARING UP FOR WINTER

It's been a great year. Both our winter and summer programs were popular with all our friend, new and old. With your support we got back in the black after struggling for a couple of years and our future looks bright. Thank you all!!

The recent storm left enough snow for some of us to get out and make a couple of turns. We are stoked!! This is going to be an epic year. The snowsports school will open mid-December. For the calendar impaired, that's about 6 weeks from now. Do you know where your gear is??

Check out our Facebook page for a chance to win a day of skiing. See you on the slopes.

23rd ANNUAL FOAMFEST AT SQUAW VALLEY SEPT 1st

Craft Brew Festival and Rockin' Blues

Squaw Valley September 1st, 2012  2 to 6 p.m.

On the KT Sundeck at the Olympic House 

Featuring Blues Legend Johnny "Guitar" Knox and the Rockin' Blues of Ro Harpo and the Blues Busters. Some seating available. Bringing a folding chair is suggested.

The event is one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the Tahoe area! It is a gathering of great friends who enjoy good beer, great music and getting together to support a good cause! Proceeds help get  people with disabilities out on the slopes.
Beer enthusiasts can sample from more than 40 craft beers and listen to live music. Everyone is invited to enjoy a snack and enter to win great prizes in our famous “Hit the Slopes” raffle. Prizes include season passes, lift tickets, skis, snowboards and winter gear.

A minimum sampling package is needed to sample brews. No sampling allowed without the wristband. Additional sampling tickets may be purchased at two for $5. They are only available to those wearing the minimum purchase wristband.

Designated drivers, those under 21 years of age and concert goers admitted free ($10 donation requested, no ticket needed). Buying one or more tickets ? Please consider adding a donation to support our charity.

Visit www.disabledsports.net and click FoamFest for more information or to purchase tickets.

SUMMER IN FULL SWING

Our summer programs are going strong. Check them out on our website www.disabledsports.net by clicking the programs tab on our homepage. Many of our summer activities are designed for family participation.

We recently received permission from Squaw Valley to conduct our 23rd annual FoamFest on the KT deck at the Olympic House, September 1st 2 to 6 pm. Don't miss out on rockin' blues and craft brews at Squaw. Admission is free for concert goers, designated drivers and anyone under 21 years of age ($10 donation at the entrance requested). More about FoamFest on our webpage under events soon.

Our Their Spirit Inspires event went extremely well. 15 wounded warriors disabled in Iraq or Afghanistan attended the sports camp during the week. The dinner on Saturday night was a great success thanks to all the hard working volunteers.

THEIR SPIRIT INSPIRES SACRAMENTO JUNE 13-17

Their Spirit Inspires

conducted by

Disabled Sports USA Far West

 

June 13-17, 2012

Sacramento, CA

 

 

Honoring Wounded Warriors

Disabled in the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

 

Wounded Warrior Sports Rehabilitation Camp, June 13-17

Their Spirit Inspires Dinner, Saturday, June 16^th 

 

 

This event celebrates the accomplishments of Disabled Sports USA Far West, our participants, volunteers and honored guests.  The “Their Spirit Inspires” Dinner is the culmination of a four-day event highlighting the abilities of people with disabilities and the powerful positive health and confidence building effects of our programs.

 

The week starts with a Sports Rehabilitation Camp for 25 soldiers and marines disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will receive specialized instruction in waterskiing, whitewater rafting, paddle sports, adapted cycling and sled hockey. This program is designed as part of their therapy and re-integration into the community.

 

Please join us in celebrating the abilities of our honored guests.  For more information, please visit our website at www.disabledsports.net.

 

 

 

“If I Can Do This, I Can Do Anything!”^sm

GREAT VACATION GIVEAWAY

GREAT VACATION GETAWAY RAFFLE

Enter today for a chance to win one of these three great vacation getaways.

 

The Mega Prize – A week in the Napa Valley – $100 per ticket

A $4,000 Value

Gorgeous newly remodeled, contemporary home in the town of Napa. 

Easy access to wineries, great biking, hiking and restaurants.  View

of the Valley from the upper deck…a hot tub for a great respite after

a day of biking or wine tasting.  Gorgeous wine cellar that can also

be used for dining. Quiet residential neighborhood.  Many trees

surround the property and afford privacy.  Wonderful biking routes

(both road and mountain) available and hiking trails.  World class

golf available at several local courses along with many options for

exceptional and memorable dining.  Over 400 wineries in the valley

to enjoy.

www.homeexchange.com (property #166429)

 

3 Bedrooms/3Bathrooms.  Sleeps 6.

 

Dates subject to availability.  No smoking and no pets.

 

                                               

                                                                                                                       

The Grand Prize – South Lake Tahoe Weekend – $50 per ticket

A $1,000 Value

Picture yourself on vacation in the scenic alpine splendor of Lake Tahoe, breathing in the clean fresh air and letting the cares of the world melt away.  Nestled among the pines, the cabin is close to fabulous beaches, incredible hiking and biking trails, crystal-clear rivers, exquisite meadows, world-class ski resorts, resort-style retail shops and many entertainment options.  Stay in this cozy cabin and relax among the pines for a long weekend. 

 

2-Story House:  3 Bedrooms (master bedroom downstairs

and two bedrooms upstairs). Sleeps 8 (1 king bed, 2 queen

beds, 1 queen futon).  2 Bathrooms.

 

Dates subject to availability.  No smoking and no pets.

County ordinance limits occupancy to 8 people and

www.tahoecabinvacationrental.com

parking for 2 cars.

 

 

 

The Super Prize – One Day Whitewater Rafting for Six – $25 per ticket

A $600 Value

Experienced guides safely guide you through the waters of the

scenic South Fork of the American River, site of the gold

discovery that triggered the gold rush.  Beginning white water

provides challenge and thrills.  Includes lunch.

 

Valid June 1 – Sept. 1, 2012. 

To enter please visit: http://www.dsusafw.org/event_raffle.shtml

ABILITY BASH AND ABILITY CHALLENGE MARCH 30th & 31st

These two events are part of a great week at Disabled Sports USA Far West.

Ability Celebration

 March 27 - April 1, 2012, Alpine Meadows, CA

 

Wounded Warrior Ability Camp March 27-April 1

The Ability Challenge March 30 & 31

18^th Annual Ability BASH Banquet March 31     

 

 

Honoring Wounded Warriors

Disabled in the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

 

This event celebrates the accomplishments of Disabled Sports USA Far West, our participants, volunteers and honored guests. The Ability BASH on Saturday evening, March 31^st, is the culmination of a five-day event highlighting the abilities of people with disabilities and the powerful positive health and confidence building effects of our programs.

 

The week starts with an Ability Camp for 25 soldiers and marines disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will receive specialized instruction in adapted snow skiing and snowboarding at the Disabled Sports Program Center at Alpine Meadows Resort. They will also participate in other winter recreation designed as part of their therapy and re-integration into the community.

 

On Friday, March 30^th, and Saturday, March 31^st, the Ability Challenge will feature donors, sponsors and disabled skiers for a fun day of on-hill activities. An awards presentation is scheduled at the end of the day.

The 2012 Ability Challenge is for anyone with a love of skiing, a love of someone with a disability or a love of making the world a better place. It's a fun day on the slopes you won't want to miss. More at www.abilitychallenge.net

 

The Ability BASH on Saturday evening, March 31^st, has been one of North Tahoe’s premier fundraising events for 18 years. This banquet, dance and silent auction is a wonderful uplifting evening for all in attendance.

 

Please join us in celebrating the abilities of our honored guests.  For more information, please visit our website at www.disabledsports.net.

 

Don't Miss Out On The Fun

Our snowsports school is open everyday with good coverage on many runs. So book your lesson now.

The Ability Challenge is a great fun day on the slopes for you and your family and friends. We have redesigned the event from a ski race to a party on the slopes suitable for any skiers level of expertice from beginner to pro!! Visit www.abilitychallenge.net to find out more about this not to be missed event. Participate on Friday, March 30th, or Saturday, March 31st.

Don't forget the Ability Bash on Saturday night, March 31st. It's one of North Tahoes premier events.

 Ability Celebration

   March 27 - April 1, 2012, Alpine Meadows, CA

 

                              Wounded Warrior Ability Camp March 27-April 1

                             The Ability Challenge March 30 & 31

18^th Annual Ability BASH Banquet March 31     

 

 

Honoring Wounded Warriors

Disabled in the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

 

This event celebrates the accomplishments of Disabled Sports USA Far West, our participants, volunteers and honored guests. The Ability BASH on Saturday evening, March 31^st, is the culmination of a five-day event highlighting the abilities of people with disabilities and the powerful positive health and confidence building effects of our programs.

 

The week starts with an Ability Camp for 25 soldiers and marines disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will receive specialized instruction in adapted snow skiing and snowboarding at the Disabled Sports Program Center at Alpine Meadows Resort. They will also participate in other winter recreation designed as part of their therapy and re-integration into the community.

 

On Friday, March 30^th, and Saturday, March 31^st, the Ability Challenge will feature donors, sponsors and disabled skiers for a fun day of on-hill activities. An awards presentation is scheduled at the end of the day.

 

The Ability BASH on Saturday evening, March 31^st, has been one of North Tahoe’s premier fundraising events for 18 years. This banquet, dance and silent auction is a wonderful uplifting evening for all in attendance.

 

Please join us in celebrating the abilities of our honored guests.  For more information, please visit our website at www.disabledsports.net.

 

SNOWSPORTS SCHOOL OPENING DECEMBER 16TH

ADAPTIVE SKI AND SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTION FOR ALL ABILITIES.

Open daily from December 16, 2011 through April 14, 2012.  The Disabled Sports Program Center is located at Alpine Meadows Resort in the North Lake Tahoe area of Northern California.
We are a PSIA Member Ski School (Professional Ski Instructors of America). Our PSIA certified instructors and trained volunteers make skiing or snowboarding possible for anyone with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.

Alpine Meadows Resort and Squaw Valley USA
Daily 10:00am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-4:00pm

$75 Disabled Sports members with an annual participant membership fee of $30; non-member cost for lessons $200
Includes 2.5 hr private lesson and lift ticket.
Mono-ski, Bi-ski, standard skis or snowboard not included.

Equipment rentals:
Mono-ski, Bi-ski rentals from Disabled Sports: $10 half day, $20 all day.
Standard ski or snowboard rentals are ½ price at ski area rental shops or Tahoe Dave’s (Alpine Meadows Rental Shop 530-581-8244, Tahoe Dave’s 530-583-6415)
More information on our website includes:
Driving directions to Alpine Meadows Resort. First-timer Guide and Checklist.
Preparing your child with Autism for their snowsport lesson

Reservations are required and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We suggest calling two to four weeks in advance starting November 1st to reserve the dates you desire.
Scholarships are available through the Katherine Hayes Rodriguez Scholarship Fund. Please visit our Reservations Page for more information at www.disabledsports.net
Contact us for more information:
Ph: (530) 581-4161
Email: reservations@disabledsports.net

GREAT GOURMET DINNER and BEER PAIRING

 22nd Annual Foam Fest

 

THANK YOU to all who made the 22nd Annual Foam Fest a huge success!

 

The evening began with a delicious dinner of Ginger-marinated White Shrimp, Thai-flavored Butternut Squash Soup, Red Wine Braised Buffalo Shortribs followed by a delectable dessert of Caramel & Chocolate Brownies with fresh raspberries.  Dinner guests enjoyed a brewmaster presentation about each of the carefully selected micro-brews that was paired with each course.  If you love great food and beer, don't miss next year's Foam Fest Dinner!

 

The main event featured live music by Marble Party, micro-brew tasting and yummy food prepared by Full Belly Deli.  Love those Pig Pops!  Many great prizes were raffled off during the "Hit the Slopes Raffle" including season passes to Alpine Meadows, Homewood, Northstar, Squaw Valley and Sugar Bowl ski resorts.

 

We especially want to thank Quality Automotive for being our presenting sponsor two years in a row and Chef Sean Conry for another wonderful dinner.  Our thanks and appreciation go out to all of our sponsors, the breweries, and volunteers that helped make this night such a success!  We couldn't do it without you!

JOIN ME FOR A GOURMET DINNER AT FOAMFEST OCT 15th

Back this year!
Gourmet Dinner & Specialty Tasting with Brewmaster Presentation
5:30-7:00pm then join the fun until 10:30pm
Gourmet Dinner prepared by Award-Winning Chef Sean Conry of Longboard’s Bar & Grill – Gold Medal Winner at the 2010 Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival!

Last year’s menu:
Blackened Hawaiian Blue Prawns
Louisiana-style Gumbo
Asian Pork Ribs
Shepherd’s Pie
Imported Valrhona Chocolate Sample
(each course paired with a specialty microbrew)
Last year’s dinner was a sell out!

The NEW Truckee Community Recreation Center
8924 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, CA

Purchase tickets at www.disabledsports.net or call 530.581.4161
Must be 21 or Older
Discounted Lodging Rates Available!
Hampton Inn, Truckee - 888.587.1197
Larkspur Hotel, Truckee – 530.587.4525
Ask for the Special Foam Fest Rate!

FINAL SUMMER PROGRAMS

Summer is coming to a close and so are our great summer programs. But there is still time for you and your family to  join the fun. How about a whitewater raft trip??

Experienced guides and trained volunteers safely guide rafts through the waters of the scenic South Fork of the American River, site of the gold discovery that triggered the gold rush. While you are in the area, visit Coloma and Gold Discovery State  Park. Turn it into a great day in the Sierra foothills.

Our raft trips are for people with disabilities and their families or friends. Our fees are considerably less than those charged by the commercial outfitters for the same experience. Beginning white water provides challenge and thrills while building camaraderie, confidence, and teamwork.

See you on the river!

BUSY SUMMER AT DISABLED SPORTS USA FAR WEST

Our summer programs are going strong but there is still time for you to join in. Here are some of the upcoming events. Don't miss out.

Whitewater rafting: Aug 12,13,14 and Sept 2,3,4. More dates available by request.This is a great family outing in beginning whitewater.

Water-ski instruction:  Aug 26,27. adaptive equipment allows almost anyone with any disability to participate.

Cycling: Aug 6 and Oct 22. Another great family activity.

4-WD Adventures: Rubicon overnight trip Aug 12,13,14. Familes welcome.

visit our website www.disabledsports.net for details and to make reservations.

JOIN ME FOR DINNER JULY 31st

 as a sponsor, participant or volunteer at our special events.

---

Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar
Fundraiser Dinner

Sunday, July 31st
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar
10142 Rue Hilltop Road, Truckee, CA
Cost:  $40 (includes tax and gratuity)
Time:  7PM

Enjoy a relaxing dinner and an evening of musical entertainment overlooking scenic downtown Truckee from one of the nation’s oldest ski lodges.  Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the programs of Disabled Sports USA Far West.

Menu:
Chopped Caesar Salad
Your choice of 1 entrée:

• Pine nut crusted Southeast Asian basa (mild white fish) with a tomato-dill Beurre blanc, rice and house vegetables
• Linguini with grilled chicken breast, diced tomatoes and a chipotle cream sauce
• Butternut squash enchiladas with Ancho chile mole, cilantro and white cheddar cheese, sprinkled with toasted pumpkin seeds

Dessert – chef’s choice
Soda, coffee and iced tea

Dinner tickets may be purchased  on our websit www.disabledsports.net  through Thursday, July 28th or by calling 530-581-4161.

SUPPORT DISABLED SPORTS USA FAR WEST

Art-Wine-Music Festival ~ Squaw Valley USA

 

July 16 & 17 ~ 11 AM to 5 PM     

    Wine Tasting:  2 PM to 5 PM both days

   $25 Donation includes Commemorative Glass

   Benefits Disabled Sports USA Far West

   Artists:  30 Local and Regional Fine Artists & Crafters

   Classical Guitar Music:  2 Full Days of Music on

   2 Performance Stages.  In Partnership with the Sierra

   Nevada Classical Guitar Society

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

All of us at Disabled sports USA Far West wish you a happy holiday. We hope you enjoy some great times with your loved ones.

We'd also like to remind you that now is the time to reserve your family whitewater raft day or fourwheel adventure. Waterski lessons are filling quickly so get your time reserved as soon as possible. We look foward to seeing you!!