Ruidoso Calendar — DISABLED SKIERS' AUCTION
Ski Apache’s Disabled Skier’s Annual Silent Auction
In 1976, officials from Fort Bliss approached Ski Apache about teaching returning disabled Vietnam veterans to ski. Military Doctors believed that if these men could participate in a sport, especially one which they enjoyed before the war, it would make a difference in their rehabilitation. Diana Person, a ski instructor, was the first volunteer and with Ski Apache’s management’s approval and encouragement, a separate ski school was established … the Ski Apache Disabled Skiers’ Program or SADSP. Last year, SADSP taught over 300 skiers. Most students come from New Mexico, Texas and Arizona, but students have come from as far as Florida, California, Mexico and even Central America to participate in the program. SADSP has also established programs with several rehabilitation centers, colleges, hospitals and organizations that work with people with disabilities. The school program has grown exponentially. Volunteers have been trained to work with elementary, middle and high school students in a program that has expanded to the entire Southwest. Students ski one day a week for a six-week session that culminates in a race with all the skiers receiving medals.
Area volunteers to work hard raising funds for this very worthwhile cause and the big event of the year is the Annual Silent Auction. Always held at the end of January, the auction has been going for years and generates over $20,000 annually. The Silent Auction is a great way to support a great program and your chance to pick up some of the best bargains in town! Significant works of art, ski equipment and apparel, Home décor items … and the best collection of must have odds and ends you’ll ever see! So make sure your Ruidoso January plans include Ski Apache’s Disabled Skier’s Annual Silent Auction!
Please support our sponsors:
|