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DEFY THE IMPOSSIBLE Don’t tell us we can’t. We don’t focus on our limitations, we focus on our possibilities. ADAPTIVE NORDIC SKIING & BIATHLON Sports that are adapted in some way to better support individuals with intellectual or physical impairments are referred to as adaptive sports. There are a number of adaptive sports organizations specializing in sports programs that support people with different types of impairments. Among the options for people with disabilities are Cross-Country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing. This is a great option for those who enjoy exploring trails or maintaining physical activity in an outdoor winter environment. While there are those who like skiing for the peace and solitude, others like the physical fitness benefits that come with the sport. There are still others who enjoy pushing their bodies to the limit. Depending on the disability, one adaptive option is a sit-ski, which is a chair equipped with a pair of skis or stand-up and use regular skis. Those who are blind or have a visual impairment can ski with the help of a sighted guide. A combination of Nordic Skiing and shooting, the Biathlon is another option that has adaptations. Again, those who are blind or have a visual impairment are assisted, this time by an acoustic signal, which indicates when the individual is on target using signal intensity. CXC’s VETERANS NORDIC PROGRAM CXC, a non-profit corporation, is recognized by the United States Ski Association (USSA) as the U.S. Central region’s organization governing Nordic skiing, as well as a US Paralympic Sports Club. CXC’s Veterans Nordic Program is an hour long development program, meeting once a week. Designed by coaches with extensive experience at all levels of Nordic skiing, the program develops the characteristics needed to achieve overall fitness goals, including speed, agility, acceleration, balance, stamina, durability and focus. Participants learn sport-specific and general training exercise progressions. Although we can’t promise that participants in this program will become Paralympic athletes, we can promise a healthier, active lifestyle. Let CXC Skiing Paralympic Sport Club introduce you to the power of what’s possible. Visit www.cxcskiing.org/ to learn more about the program. -Duncan Bathe |
