Downhill Skiing at NSCD

On Ben's fifth birthday, he had his very first skiing adventure at the National Sports Center for the Disabled, at Winter Park Ski Resort. He was given a sponsorship for five lessons. Just like horseback riding, Ben's first experience with skiing was one of fear and reluctance. He didn't like it at all, especially having his feet put into stiff, heavy ski boots, and he spent the whole two hour lesson screaming. The patient instructor didn't take him very long or far. As his mother, who put him through this on his birthday, I felt very guilty. Remembering the experience with horseback riding, we decided to keep trying for the whole five lessons. The next lesson he had two instructors, and only screamed about half of his morning. On his third day out, he had three instructors who took along his tape player. They sang all morning, and he had a wonderful time. It was a real example of "third time's a charm!"

Now he has skied about forty times, and he just loves it. He still doesn't like putting on those boots - but the skiing is great fun. Now he only needs one instructor. He especially likes it when he and his instructor say, "Eeee-Hah" when they get on the lift. As soon as we get a good snow, Ben wants to go skiing - right then - that day. He doesn't understand there must be a base first. He never walks so fast as he does going to NSCD. It is quite the happy place. Ben thinks winter was made for skiing. He's quite the Colorado kid!

What horseback riding therapy does for Ben in the summer, downhill skiing does for him in the winter. Skiing relies on the equal use of both sides of the body. It strengthens balance and endurance. When the other kids talk about their skiing days, Ben knows just what they are talking about. It is a common, shared experience. Sometimes Ben skies with typical kids in his program, and sometimes with other kids with disabilities. Every one of the instructors has been magnificent with him. They truly enjoy being with him, and make it a pleasurable experience. Being outside in the clean, brisk air, on a beautiful Colorado mountain is a wonderful experience. Ben perceives that he moves fast over the snow. One time, when he was checking in at the desk, he said, "I'm Ben, I ski fast like a race car!" NSCD is one of the happiest places in the world.

Ben would like to say, "Thank You!" to all the people who have sponsored him for skiing at NSCD!

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