DENVER, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ — The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) and their "Salute to Troops" program was recently awarded the Schweikert Award by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) at the 2008 PVA annual conference in Portland, OR.

The NSCD sponsored "Salute to Troops" invites men and women from the armed forces who have suffered amputation, PTSD, vision loss and brain injury to explore and enhance their physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills by engaging in recreational sports and activities. The winter program focuses on stand skiing, ski biking, mono skiing, bi skiing, and snowboarding along with sleigh rides, bonfires and snowmobiling. The summer "Salute to Troops" focuses on the therapeutic benefits of kayaking and also offers fun social opportunities and activities in the evenings.

Harry Schweikert Jr., for whom the Schweikert Disability Awareness Award is named, was a highly decorated World War II veteran who received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army and soon after received disabling injuries in a hometown accident. Mr. Schweikert passed away in 1981 after dedicating his career towards bettering the lives of people with disabilities.

President/CEO of the NSCD, Mr. Craig Pollitt accepted the award on behalf of the NSCD. "It is because of people like Harry Schweikert that organizations like us exist and are able to impact the lives of people with disabilities. Harry was a disability advocate in the 40's and 50's when the movement towards equal programs for people with disabilities were just getting started so we are incredibly honored to receive this award in his name."

Along with programs for disabled veterans, the NSCD provides year round recreational opportunities for people of any age and almost any disability. With specialty trained instructors and its own equipment lab, the NSCD helps people with disabilities learn more about sports — and themselves. Thirty eight years ago, the NSCD began program in Winter Park, CO and now runs programs through offices in Winter Park, Denver and Kansas City with outreach programs running in six other US cities.

For more information on the NSCD, please visit http://www.nscd.org or contact Marketing Director, Rachel Hirt, at (303) 633-5802.

Contact: Rachel Hirt, NSCD Marketing Director

Phone: (303) 633-5802

Email: rhirt@nscd.org

SOURCE The National Sports Center for the Disabled

Related Posts