[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE 15TH NATIONAL DISABLED VETERANS WINTER SPORTS CLINIC

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                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 3, 2001

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I recently had the privilege to participate 
in an extraordinary event, the 15th National Disabled Veterans Winter 
Sports Clinic. This year it was held at Snowmass Village at Aspen, CO. 
Sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans, the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, and others, this event provides disabled veterans the chance 
to engage in various outdoor and indoor sports activities.
  More than 300 severely disabled veterans took to the ski slopes, 
tackled rock climbing, went scuba diving, or played sledge hockey. This 
wonderful program is much more than a source of fun and athletic 
challenges; it is designed to assist in the rehabilitation of veterans 
with severe disabilities. Physical activities are essential to 
improving physical fitness, refining motor skills, and building self-
confidence.
  Many of these men and women at one time thought that their disability 
ended hopes for an active, vibrant life. Instead of viewing their 
physical condition as a barrier to recreation, these individuals saw 
the opportunity to overcome the obstacle posed by their disability.
  The men and women at the clinic did not dwell on adversity; rather 
they eagerly engaged in the physical trial of sports. This event 
demonstrated the courage and abilities of these veterans. It also 
serves as an inspiration to others to be bold in redefining what the 
disabled can do.
  I had the privilege of being Chairman of the Veterans' Health 
Subcommittee and I now serve as its Vice Chairman. I worked with the 
VA, the DAV, and other wonderful groups in strengthening the services 
provided to veterans and I look forward to continuing this cooperation. 
The Veterans are the only group of Americans that have earned their 
benefits, they didn't just happen to be here, they earned it on the 
battlefield, they earned it in service to America.
  Serving America's veterans mean exploring new options for enhancing 
their quality of life. The Winter Sports Clinic exemplifies an 
innovative approach to honoring the men and women who served in 
uniform.

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