News Release: The U.S. Disabled Ski Team Changes its Name
Park City, UT -- (November 24, 2008) The USSA's Disabled Ski Team, one of the longest standing teams in the Paralympics, is changing its name to better reflect the high level of athleticism of its members. I am proud to announce that team will now become the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team, and our formal sport program known as USSA Adaptive.The athletes of the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team are anything but disabled. These are some of the most physically fit and technically skilled athletes in the world. They have adapted themselves to their physical situation, and have become true world class athletes. The new name represents a much more accurate depiction of what they have accomplished.
Our program has a long history, dating back to 1986 when the USSA first named what was then called the U.S. Disabled Ski Team. The Team was showcased as a demonstration event at the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, then went on to become one of the leaders in the Paralympics, which began in 1992 in Albertville, France.
Similar to its able-bodied counterparts, the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team competes every year in a season long World Cup circuit for both alpine and cross country organized under the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The sport is also recognized by the International Ski Federation (FIS). Both alpine and cross country will have World Championships in the upcoming 2008-09 season, as well as Paralympics in Vancouver in 2010.
The change is taking place immediately and will be showcased when the U.S. Adaptive Alpine Ski Team will open its season Dec. 5-7 at The Hartford Ski Spectacular with races in Copper Mountain. The cross country team opens with the ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships in Anchorage in early January.
I'm proud of what the USSA has been able to do in supporting a world class adaptive skiing program as one of our six sports.
Bill Marolt
President and CEO
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association
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