Every week, plenty of snow and effortless speed await Soldiers who visit the slopes of Western Washington. Warrior Transition Battalion Soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., are being given a chance to experience winter activities through the recreation therapy's collaboration with the Outdoor for All Foundation's adaptive ski and snowboard therapy program.
Eliminating barriers so that everyone can access outdoor recreation, focusing on the abilities of individuals as opposed to what they can't do, and improving participants' overall quality of life are some of the goals of the program, according to Outdoors for All Program Manager Alecia McConnell.
"My favorite thing is speed. I've had to slow down because of (messed) up knees. It's like a spiritual experience," said Capt. Jeff Doherty. "I learned even if you're broken you're still a good Soldier. I used to think if you got broke you were weak. Now I know it just means you're broke (and you can) get better."
For some Soldiers, skiing may seem out of reach due to lifestyle changes caused by injury. However, Outdoors for All offers adaptive equipment and teaches modified techniques which allow participants the freedom to enjoy winter sports again.
"The therapeutic benefits of skiing and snowboarding are nearly endless … Within physical health, for example, a participant will work on balance, coordination, endurance and strength. Within social health, participants work one-on-one with an instructor throughout all seven weeks of the ski and snowboard series. Within psychological health, participants have the opportunity to challenge themselves, to push past their typical comfort levels and experience a new sport," said McConnell.
Any WTB Soldier with skiing on their "positive profile" may participate; positive profiles are given after physical therapy evaluations.
Regarding his experience with the program, Maj. Robert Matthews said, "I've learned that regardless of your disability, we can still have active lives."
He's trying snowboarding for the first time this year. His favorite part?
"The speed. My favorite part is going down the mountain -- fast," said Matthews.
Like Outdoors for All, the WTB recreation therapy program's approach is one that allows Soldiers the opportunity to have fun in active pastimes and experience the benefits that come with it.
"Going up the mountain can really change your mood," said Erin Carpenter, a recreation therapist for the WTB. "It's a physical challenge that you get better at."
She echoed the positive health effects of improving Soldiers' quality of life.
"Seeing that 'Yes, this does affect my quality of life' … that's good medicine," said Carpenter.
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