Disabled veterans hit the slopes

Posted at: 02/08/2010 6:27 PM | Updated at: 02/08/2010 7:34 PM
By: Linzi Sheldon | WHEC.com

A new program is giving back to disabled veterans, by helping them get on the slopes.

It's called Outdoor Adventures for Sacrifice in Service, or OASIS. Instructors use specialized equipment to help veterans learn how to ski.

After two years of planning, the program kicked off Monday at Bristol Mountain Ski Resort. 

There are five local veterans who are participating in OASIS over the next couple of months. They'll be using all sorts of equipment, from bi-skis to specialized three-track and four-track skis.

The equipment has been donated from a construction company in Hornell, called A.L. Blades & Sons. Bristol Mountain is also donating equipment.

The instructors are volunteering their time and are getting specially trained.

Some of the vets say they like hitting the slopes, but it can be a little scary at first.

"Every single minute you're out there, you're saying to yourself, this could be it," Terry Travers, U.S. Navy veteran, said. "But when you get down and you're done on the mountain and you get out of the ski and you look at what you just did, you say to yourself, boy that was excellent."

"They've served our country," said Beth DeFranco, an OASIS ski instructor. "They've done a great job for us and we want to do something for them."

The OASIS program is not limited to the winter. Organizers also plan to offer archery lessons to six veterans this summer. There will also be sailing lessons for five more veterans.

The president of OASIS says over the next few years, he also hopes to offer other activities and eventually reach about 60 to 70 veterans each year.

For more Rochester, NY news, go to our website, www.whec.com.

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