DSES NORDIC ATHLETES PREP FOR BIATHLON (press release)
Nordic camp a good warm up for March competition
History lesson: Nordic, also known as Cross-country or backcountry skiing, is the oldest form of skiing and was developed in Scandinavia as a form of traveling on snow. It has since become part of the Olympics, both in racing, as well as coupled with shooting for the popular Biathlon competition, and has become a major part of the recreational ski industry.
Here in Mammoth Lakes, Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra features an adaptive version of Nordic, employing the latest techniques and equipment to help those with physical challenges enjoy the sport, both for recreation and racing. On Jan. 17-19, DSES held its annual Nordic Ski & Race Camp, which provides instruction and practice for attendees.
According to DSES’s Paralympic Programs Coordinator Maggie Palchak, this year the camp hosted eight athletes, ranging in age from 11-75, including four who are Wounded Warriors. Of those, three were sitting athletes, while the other five were standing.
Athletes participating in the camp got three full days of on-snow training in gorgeous weather conditions. This year, they also got top flight coaching from no less than two special guests: multiple Paralympic medalist Candace Cable and former USA Biathlon Team member Haley Stewart.
The camp was also great opportunity for athletes prepare for the Biathlon Camp, which takes place March 19-23, and includes participation in the Mammoth Lakes Biathlon.
Palchak extended thanks to the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center staff “for their help and for the incredible grooming of their gorgeous trails!” She also thanked the 17 DSES Volunteers, who “generously gave their time, talent and energy to instruct our athletes and guide them through this fun-filled event.”
This program was conducted in association with DSUSA, the national organization of which DSES is a chapter member. Grant funding for the program is awarded by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided by Veterans Affairs. The grants are provided to facilitate the growth of Paralympic-sport programming for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces. –Press Release
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