Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports (OVAS), a local non-profit, announced today that it has agreements to provide disabled ski and snowboard lessons at all three ski resorts in Ogden Valley.
“OVAS is excited to ensure that all people, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to enjoy winter sports at Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley,” announced John Henderson, President of Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports. OVAS is accepting ski and snowboard lesson reservations at all three areas and plans to begin operations on December 4th, 2015, at Snowbasin.
OVAS, formerly known as Snowbasin Adaptive Sports Education Foundation, is now offering adaptive lessons for people with disabilities as an independent organization. “OVAS is focused on ensuring the highest quality support to our clients in Northern Utah, and our highly qualified staff teaches lessons for people with cognitive, visual and physical disabilities,” said Jim Bradley, Program Director. OVAS offers 1, 2, and 3-hour adaptive lessons. Scholarship opportunities are available for those in financial need.
OVAS participants come from all walks of life, including young children in the local schools to disabled veterans from the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and even World War II. “We anticipate providing between 250 and 500 lessons in the 2015-2016 season, with about 25% of those requiring some form of financial assistance,” explained Don Hickman, OVAS Vice-President. One hundred percent of lesson fees and donations from supporters fund the program. In cooperation with corporate partners, OVAS has purchased over $45,000 worth of adaptive equipment and given over 200 lesson scholarships to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy Utah’s winter wonderland.
For more information or to donate to the programs visit the OVAS website at www.ogdenvalleyadaptivesports.org or call 801-695-7074.
