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Breckenridge, COLO (November 27, 2016) -- Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) will host the 29th annual The Hartford Ski Spectacular Nov. 28 – Dec. 4 at Beaver Run Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort, Breckenridge, Colo. The week-long event, sponsored by The Hartford, is one of the nation's largest winter sports festivals for individuals with physical disabilities. More than 800 participants, ranging in ability from first-time skiers to members of the U.S. Paralympic Team, come together to kick off the winter season with races and competitions that train and prepare athletes for national and international competition.

Among the participants will be more than 100 wounded service members, family and military staff from the U.S. and Great Britain, Boston Marathon bombing survivors, U.S. Paralympic champions such as medalists Alana Nichols, Evan Strong, Mike Shea, Danelle Umstead and 20 young U.S. Paralympic hopefuls. Athletes include Lonnie Bedwell who was the first blind kayaker to complete the entire length of the Grand Canyon.

“My amputation changed my life and because of events like The Hartford Ski Spectacular, I learned how to embrace my disability,” said Michael Shea, 2014 Silver medalist in Sochi. “It ultimately brought me more opportunity and because of that I am doing more with one leg then I ever did with two legs.”

“For 22 years, The Hartford has partnered with us to produce an event that helps so many of our athletes achieve their goals,” said Kirk Bauer, JD, executive director of DSUSA and a disabled Vietnam Veteran. “Through world-class instruction, a community of supporters and the Rocky Mountains, this event continues to inspire, impact and produce gold-medal athletes.”

 "Learn to" programs in alpine and Nordic skiing, biathlon, sled hockey, curling and snowboarding will be offered.  In addition to these lessons, The Hartford Ski Spectacular also strengthens and expands adaptive snow sports programs in communities throughout the United States by training staff and volunteers at DSUSA chapters in the national adaptive academy.  The ski instructor academy endorsed by Professional Ski Instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) offers training for instructors in the latest and safest adaptive ski and snowboard techniques for skiers with disabilities.

“The Hartford is proud to have sponsored this impactful and inspiring program for more than two decades,” says Mike Concannon, executive vice president of The Hartford’s Group Benefits business. “Through our partnerships with DSUSA we seek to demonstrate that people are defined by their ability, and that almost anything – including disability – can be overcome with the right technology, team and resources behind you.”

The Hartford, a founding partner of U.S. Paralympics, has been the title sponsor of The Hartford Ski Spectacular since 1994. The Hartford Ski Spectacular's Presenting Sponsor is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces Program provides funding to organizations to increase, expand and enhance the quantity and quality of adaptive sport activities available for disabled veterans and members of the armed forces to participate in physical activity within their home communities, as well as more advanced U.S. Paralympic and adaptive sport programs at the regional and national levels.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides essential equipment and technical support to The Hartford Ski Spectacular. For more information on VA Adaptive Sports programs visit www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

The event is also sponsored by Wash Depot; Veritas; Bob Woodruff Foundation; Team Semper Fi; Tee it up for the Troops; DAV Charitable Service Trust, Oshkosh Defense, Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, Breckenridge Ski Resort. Partnering organizations include Professional Ski Instructors of America-American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA/AASI), Vail Adaptive Sports, USA Curling, Colorado Adaptive Sports Foundation and Breck Sports. Participating DSUSA Chapters include Host Chapter: Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center; Education Chapter: National Sports Center for the Disabled; Contributing Chapters: Adaptive Adventures, Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte, New England Disabled Sports, Oregon Adaptive Sports, Outdoors for All Foundation, and Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports.
 
Follow the action at The Hartford Ski Spectacular on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Look for @DisabledSportUS and #skispec on Twitter and Disabled Sports USA on Facebook, as well as @TheHartford on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To get involved and pledge support, please visit https://www.disabledsportsusa.org/get-involved/donate/.

 

About Disabled Sports USA
Founded in 1967, Disabled Sports USA is a national charitable organization that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in sports. What began as a program to serve Vietnam veterans has since grown into one of the nation's largest multi-sport, multi-disability organizations, annually serving more than 60,000 wounded warriors, youth, and adults with disabilities. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Disabled Sports USA offers programs in more than 50 summer and winter sports through its nationwide network of more than 120 community-based chapters. For more information, visit www.disabledsportsusa.org.
 
About The Hartford
With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford (NYSE:HIG) is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. The company is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheHartford.  Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheHartford.  
The Hartford® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including issuing companies, Hartford Life Insurance Company, and Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. Its headquarters is in Hartford, Conn.

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