MEDIA ADVISORY: VA New England Winter Sports Clinic

WHAT:        Adaptive Winter Sports Clinic for Veterans 

WHO:         Veterans and volunteers

WHERE:    James W. Campion III Rink, West Lebanon, NH

                     Mount Sunapee, Newbury, NH

                     CCBA Witherrell Recreation Center, Lebanon, NH

CONTACT:  To cover the event or for more information, please contact Katherine Tang, Public Affairs Officer at the WRJ VA via email, text or call...
Email: vhawrjpao@va.gov 
Cell: 802-281-8445

Background: 

VA Boston Healthcare System and White River Junction VA Healthcare System are co-hosting the New England Winter Sports Clinic this week. Over the years, it has grown into the nation’s second largest adaptive winter sports clinic offered to Veterans.

Today was the clinic’s kickoff event at the James W. Campion III ice rink in West Lebanon, N.H., where Veterans from across New England gathered to participate in adaptive sled hockey. Some were returning participants and for others this is their first try. 

Tuesday through Thursday will be spent with New England Healing Sport Association at Mount Sunapee in Newbury, N.H., where Veterans and caregivers will learn adaptive skiing and snowboarding. At the CCBA Witherrell Recreation Center in Lebanon, N.H., pickleball, rhythmic drumming and kayaking will be offered as an alternate adaptive sports activities. 

 

Photo caption (photo attached): Army Veteran Alejandro Ocampo, from Raynham, Mass., a returning participant in the VA New England Winter Sports Clinic, pushes himself to reach new goals during adaptive sled hockey at the James W. Campion III ice rink in West Lebanon, N.H., Jan. 9, 2023. (White River Junction VA Healthcare System photo)

Katherine Tang, Public Affairs Officer