Injured soldiers learn innovative skills as they transition to a new phase in life
OTTAWA, Feb. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill attended today the Fourth Annual Winter Sports Clinic held by the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing and National Capital Division (CADS-NCD). The clinic is held from February 9 to 14, 2014, at the Calabogie Peaks Resort. For those who have served Canada, the clinic promotes adaptive sports instruction and peer/mentor relationships—so effective for physical and mental health and rehabilitation. Veterans, injured soldiers and family members can take part in adaptive skiing, swimming, sledge hockey and other activities.
Quick Facts
- Canadian Veterans, U.S. soldiers and a host of volunteer instructors will be taking part in the 2014 Winter Sports Clinic.
- The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS) is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization that promotes alpine skiing and snowboarding for persons with a disability.
- The New Veterans Charter (NVC) was designed to provide Veterans and their families with the tools, assistance and support they need to effectively transition to civilian life.
- The NVC offers both immediate and ongoing financial support, while also providing comprehensive medical, psychological and vocational rehabilitation services, health care benefits and one-on-one case management.
- Veterans have many skill sets, exceptional leadership and training that can make a valuable contribution to Canadian communities.
Quotes
"I commend the participants, organizers and many partners involved in this sports clinic. Helping disabled Veterans re-engage in sports and recreational activities goes a long way toward improving their health and well-being. The activities Veterans will take part in this week build on their past achievements and make new ones possible."
Hon. Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs
"For many people, the love of a sport—whether it is skiing, hockey or any other sport—is a key part of who they are as a person. That is one reason why we ensure Veterans who are injured in service have access to the rehabilitation support they need—so they can continue to do all the things they love."
Parliamentary Secretary Parm Gill
Associated Links
- Calabogie Peaks Winter Sports Clinic Brochure
- Services and programs for Veterans: veterans.gc.ca
- Medical Rehabilitation Infobytes
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
Nick Bergamini
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans of Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
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