AAS WON THE TOYOTA HALFTIME HANDOFF!

Adaptive Action Sports was given a great a great grant of $10,000 from Toyota after winning the Halftime Handoff Challenge!

We would like to thank Toyota for the generous grant and everyone who supports our organization and voted, it's because of your  active support that we were awarded the grant!

The grant went directly into our 2012 Winter Programming to help support our our adaptive snowboarding and Vets in Action programs.

For more information on AAS and our programs please go to www.adacs.org

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE BY FUSE MARKETING: FUSE ANNOUNCES 2012 SERVICE GRANT RECIPIENT: ADAPTIVE ACTION SPORTS TO RECEIVE $25,000 IN AGENCY SERVICES

FUSE TO PROVIDE MARKETING SERVICES TO NON-PROFIT COMMITTED TO AIDING YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS LIVING WITH PERMANENT PHYSICAL DISABILITIES THROUGH ACTION SPORTS 

BURLINGTON, VT, Nov. 18, 2011 - Fuse is pleased to announce Adaptive Action Sports (AAS), Inc., as the non-profit recipient of its 2012 Service Grant Program, which includes $25,000 in agency services.

“This grant project is a new addition to Fuse’s community engagement program that fosters charitable giving, advocacy, volunteerism and leadership,” said Brett Smith, Partner at Fuse. “It was both impressive and humbling to review the 25 applications we received this year.  A large group of our staff has been involved in the selection process and we can’t be more excited to have chosen Adaptive Action Sports to work with in the coming year.”

AAS was co-founded by competitive snowboarders Amy Purdy and Daniel Gale in 2005.  Its mission is to create and promote action sports camps, events and programs for youth, young adults, military personnel and veterans living with permanent physical disabilities.

“Amy’s personal story, passion and work are truly impressive,” said Smith.  “She not only changes the lives of hundreds of young people with whom AAS directly works, but she also inspires the broader community – showing us that amazing things can be accomplished even under challenging circumstances.”

At age 19, Purdy – an avid snowboarder – lost her legs to bacterial meningitis.  As she struggled to get back to her sport, she met repeated disappointment and frustration.  At that time, snowboarding and other action sports were not considered suitable sports for individuals with disabilities. Eventually, with Gale’s encouragement, Purdy regained her snowboarding ability and today is the world’s top-ranked adaptive female snowboarder. With Purdy as inspiration, AAS shares her success story to help others find their own abilities through action sports. AAS continues to foster an attitudinal change in both the adaptive and able-bodied communities, where they raise the level of expectation and respect for the abilities and potential of adaptive individuals.

Purdy and Gale’s passion and commitment to AAS is evident. Fuse’s experience with action sports and youth marketing will assist AAS to broaden awareness and further its mission. 

“We are hoping that our work with Fuse will help us popularize action sports for the permanently disabled,” said Amy Purdy. “We want both the disabled and able-bodied communities to recognize that action sports are not out-of-bounds for individuals with disabilities. We are confident that Fuse’s services will help us broaden our market reach.  We look forward to telling the world about our organization.”

About Adaptive Action Sports (AAS)

Adaptive Action Sports (AAS) creates skate- and snowboarding opportunities, events and programs for veterans, youth, and young adults living with permanent physical disabilities. AAS believes that these sports encourage individuality and creativity while building independence and self-confidence within the disabled community.   AAS has provided nearly 50 action sports events to more than 200 adaptive teens, young adults, and injured military personnel and veterans. The public face of AAS is represented by a group of successful adaptive athletes. They include Evan Strong and Amy Purdy, the world’s top‐ranked male and female adaptive snowboarders and Oscar Loreto and Evan Strong, top-performing adaptive skateboarders. AAS additionally draws on X Games, World Cup events and Olympic athletes. To learn more about AAS visit our website at www.adacs.org. To learn more about our Co-Founder Amy Purdy visit: www.amypurdy.com.

About Fuse
 

Fuse is a youth culture marketing agency founded in 1995. The agency connects brands with teens and young adults through sports, music, fashion, gaming and other relevant cultural interests. Fuse services include brand strategy, public relations, event marketing, design, social media and digital services. The Fuse staff, led by Partners Bill Carter, Issa Sawabini and Brett Smith, is comprised of marketing professionals and cultural experts who have worked for some of the most prominent brands and agencies in the country. Fuse was named one of Outside magazine’s “Best Places to Work” in the US, in 2011.  As part of the agency’s community engagement program Fuse launched its annual Service Grant Program in 2011 which includes a donation of $25,000 in marketing services to a selected charity.  The program aims to give back to young people by supporting a worthy cause that involves action sports, music, fashion, gaming, or other teen and young adult cultural interests. For more information, visit: www.fusemarketing.com, http://www.facebook.com/FuseLLC or http://twitter.com/fuse_marketing.

Adaptive Skateboard Championship Series including the Shoe City Invitational at summer X Games!

AAS Initiates A.S.C.S.

This Spring, 2012, Adaptive Action Sports initiates A.S.C.S (Adaptive Skateboard Championship Series), a championship series of open competitions for intermediate and advanced skateboarders with disabilities. The 6-event series provides adaptive skateboarders, whose numbers have escalated in the past few years, an opportunity to compete for cash and prize purses on an established, annual basis. The competitions will be open to stand-up and sit-down athletes.

In 2012, four A.S.C.S. competitions will be held. Each will be preceded by a three-day AAS Pipeline learn-to-skate clinic, attendance at which is optional for competition participants.

AAS hopes to include the already existing event at Extremity Games at New Braunfels, TX, as an official stop. Additional tentative stops include the Shoe City Invitational at Summer X Games in Los Angeles, the Coco Beach Skatepark in Florida, the Berrics Skatepark in Los Angeles, Element YMCA Skate Camp and in Vancouver BC with 9 Lives Adventures. The 2012 season will act as a qualifier for the 2013 X Games component of the A.S.C.S.

After AAS’ incredibly successful Shoe City Invitational, held in last July at the Summer X Games 17 with a cash and prize purse of over $3000.00, AAS will strive to create a similar rewards package at each 2012 stop of A.S.C.S.

Please consider supporting the A.S.C.S. It is going to kick A.A.S.!!!

• A.S.C.S. will elevate the status of adaptive skateboarding to a professional level!
• A.S.C.S. will provide exciting, energetic and inspirational action sports events to an ever-growing spectator audience!
• A.S.C.S. will provide the increasing numbers of skilled adaptive skateboarders an opportunity to compete against their peers for cash and prizes!
• A.S.C.S. will provide industry sponsors highly-visible opportunities to link their brand to admirable athletes and inspirational athletic events with high international appeal.

For more information, contact AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale at Daniel@adacs.org or visit the AAS website at www.adacs.org.


Adaptive Action Sports PSA from Adaptive Action Sports on Vimeo.

Hidden Springs Cuisine Cookbook is back!

The beautiful little farm neighborhood Hidden Springs which sits just outside of Boise, Idaho created Hidden Springs Cuisine- Good Food for a Good Cause to help raise funds for Adaptive Action Sports and our programs. This cookbook was such a hit 2 years ago that we decided to bring it back! The cookbook includes favorite recipes from Hidden Springs locals plus recipes from Actress Beth Riesgraf, Pro Snowboarder Barrett Christy, Amy Purdy's favorite family recipes and many many more! Perfect for the Holidays, buy 2 1 for yourself and 1 as a gift!

                                            

Price with Shipping options

Without Shipping $20.00 USD with Shipping $24.00 USD

                                                


Recipes include:

• The best Chocolate Toffee you'll ever have 
• Squash Soup with Sauteed Shrimp
• Prosciutto Parmesan Biscuits
• Creamy Roasted Mushroom Soup

A message to Sochi Russia by private film maker Alex Houston....

AAS supports "adaptive" snowboarding in the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi Russia. Have a look at this moving video asking the hosts to reconsider their decision, earlier this year, to NOT include the event at the games. Our effort to support these athletes will go on. Visit www.adacs.org for more information.

Any and all information perceived from these video(s) through either visual, verbal, or written means, should be considered the opinions of the Producers, the Writers and the Actors involved in the making of this video(s). They are not necessarily the opinions of AAS staff or of the AAS board members. But probably......

CHECK OUT THE LATEST ASX SCHEDULE

THE 1ST ASX RACE IS ALMOST HERE!

CHECK OUT THE LATEST SCHEDULE UPDATES. MAKE SURE TO EMAIL US AT INFO@ADACS.ORG TO GET THE LOW DOWN ON HOW TO SIGN UP.

CALLING ADAPTIVE SNOWBOARDERS

CALLING ALL ADAPTIVE SNOWBOARDERS! CHECK OUT THE FIRST EVER ADAPTIVE SNOWBOARD COMPETITION SERIES at SIERRA AT TAHOE! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO COMPETE TO WIN CASH AND PRIZES! RIDE AND RACE CAMP FEB 9-11 2012..... ADAPTIVE SNOWBOARD X COMPETITION FEB 12th TO SIGN UP FOR THE CAMP OR COMPETITION PLEASE CONTACT DANIEL GALE daniel@adacs.org

Adaptive Action Sports is back at Winter X Games!

This winter, 2011, Adaptive Action Sports initiates A.S.X (Adaptive Snowboarder X-Cross), a championship stand-alone signature series of open competitions for permanently disabled snowboarders. The 4-event series provides adaptive riders, whose numbers have escalated in the past few years, their first opportunity to compete for cash and prize purses.  A fifth invite only stop at the ESPN Winter X Games will challenge the top riders in the sport to their maximum!

This is an invite only event. Official invitations will go out individually via email. Cash and prize purse amounts yet to be determined. Additional information including lodging and ticket options will be made available on the adaptive action sports website shortly. For immediate assistance regarding this or other AAS events contact executive director and x games sport organizer Daniel gale at Daniel@adacs.org. For media or sponsorship opportunities please contact aas co-Founder and development director Amy Purdy at amy@adacs.org.

AAS Presents A.S.X. "Adaptive Snowboard X" Championship Series!

This December, 2011, Adaptive Action Sports initiates A.S.X (Adaptive Snowboarder X-Cross), a championship stand-alone signature series of open competitions for permanently disabled snowboarders. The 4-event series provides adaptive riders, whose numbers have escalated in the past few years, their first opportunity to compete for cash and prize purses. 

Event spectators will enjoy, on a larger and more frequent scale, the same action, skill and inspirational courage that adaptive riders have recently displayed on AAS-hosted USASA (Undited States of America Snowboard Association) and X Games bordercross courses.   

AAS will adopt a classification and standards system for A.S.X.  In order to promote fair competition, the system will be designed to delineate the effect and impact of various disabilities and their level of impairment on, for instance, the athlete’s balance and mobility.

In 2011-2012, the A.S.X. competitions will be held separate from, but coinciding with the last day of, four AAS Pipeline learn-to-ride-and-race clinics. (See schedule.) To provide race experience for clinic participants, amateur-level competitions will be held on the last morning of each clinic. The championship competitions, registration for which will be limited to intermediate and advanced riders, will immediately follow. 

After an incredibly successful Summer X Games 17 Skateboard Competition, The Shoe City Invitational, with a cash and prize purse of over $3000.00, AAS will strive to create a similar rewards package at each stop of the A.S.X. Championship Series with a finals to outweigh them all!

The A.S.X. Championship Competition Series is going to kick A.A.S.!!! 

·         A.S.X. will elevate the status of adaptive snowboarding to a professional level!

·         A.S.X. will provide exciting, energetic and inspirational action sports events to an ever-growing spectator audience!

·         A.S.X. will provide the increasing numbers of skilled adaptive snowboarders an opportunity to compete against their peers for cash and prizes!

·         A.S.X. will provide industry sponsors highly-visible opportunities to link their brand to admirable athletes and inspirational athletic events with high international appeal. Interested in putting your brand name on the A.S.X. Series? Join the likes of Google, Vans and Volcom as we make history! Contact AAS Development Director Amy Purdy with sponsorship inquiries at amy@adacs.org.  

Registration opens on Sept. 30th for A.S.X. Series Races 1 and 2. Plan on attending A.S.X. series stop 2 or 3 if you want to compete in the finals for the big bucks and the title!

Finals will be held at the USASA Nationals in Copper Mountain Colorado. A USASA membership is required to compete. USASA events are open to all adaptive riders competing in the A.S.X. series or not. For additional information on USASA visit http://www.usasa.org/. A.S.X. cash and prize packages are only given to those registered with Adaptive Action Sports. Cash and prize package amounts are yet to be determined. Cash and prize packages will be distributed throughout the entire competing field.

Dates are subject to change. X Games event is subject to cancellation and will be an invite only event.

For additional information, contact AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale at Daniel@adacs.org or visit the AAS website at http://www.adacs.org/.

NOTICE- THE FEB DATE AT SIERRA AT TAHOE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FEB 9-12th with the ASX RACE BEING HELD ON THE 12th

Shoe City Invitational at ESPN X Games 17 presented by AAS

July 31, 2011, was a huge day at the ESPN Summer X Games for skateboarders with physical disabilities. The first annual Shoe City Invitational and AAS Adaptive Skate Clinic,” deputed for permanently disabled youth and veterans.

In the morning starting at 9 am, Adaptive Action Sports – with support from Shoe City -- hosted a learn-to-ride skateboard clinic.  Among the individuals who showed up for the clinic was Jami Goldman, a Paralympic runner and double below knee amputee, and Cody Reid, a 3 year old single above knee amputee with a heart of gold. Cody reminded us all of why we do what we do! Thanks also to Danielle McLaughlin and George Garcia Jr. for attending the clinic.

Levi Brown, Robert Brink and Chad Tim-Tim; guest judges

In the afternoon, five of the best “Adaptive” Skateboarders in the world competed for a prize purse of over $3,000.00. Element team riders Levi Brown and Chad Tim Tim were on hand with renowned skateboard journalist, Robert Brink, to judge the afternoon event.  

The competition was held in a best of 3 run format with a jam session at the end. A bonus $100 was thrown on top of the pot for best trick during the jam. Needless to say Levi, Chad and Robert had their work cut out for them while judging the likes of Oscar Loreto (single-below the knee amputee), Evan Strong (single-below the knee amputee) Greg Shaw (Greg’s adaptation is something called sacral agenesis, at birth, a cell “mis-divides” and causes a defect in leg development. Greg is also missing two vertebrae in his spine), Buddy Elias (a single-above the knee amputee recently from a single-below the knee amputee) and Justin Beauchesne (a quad-amputee).

The competition was unbelievably exciting and undeniably awe inspiring. Each skater pushed themselves physically and mentally searched for their most innovative tricks to manufacture on course. From Greg Shaw’s powerful 360’s to Justin Beauchesne’s pressure-flip variations there wasn’t a definitive moment to take your eyes off course.

Shoe City Invitational Adaptive Skate Contest at X Games 17 from Adaptive Action Sports on Vimeo Produced and Edited by Oscar Loreto

Greg Shaw had a 1^st place winning experience at this, his first, AAS event. “AAS gave me a chance to be out here and to be free. It’s a great organization where kids like me can get out and achieve their dreams” Greg said of Adaptive Action Sports.

Greg Shaw, 1st Place

Evan Strong put together a strong showing and walked home with a 2^nd place finish followed by Justin Beauchesne in 3^rd. Oscar Loreto finished in 4^th place just squeaking by the one and only Buddy Elias who placed 5^th. 

Every skater won who attended the event. The cash purse was divided throughout the total field. “We believe that these amazing athletes deserve the same opportunities as able bodied pros; competition and financial support” says Daniel Gale, AAS Executive Director and Co-Founder. “We also believe that every athlete who attends our competitions deserves a portion of the purse” Gale added.

The AAS X 17 competition was the third event of the summer sponsored by Shoe City in 2011.  The preceding competitions were held on June 25 by the organization Life Rolls On at the Venice Skate Park in Venice Beach, CA, and by Extremity Games on June 24-25 at Texas Ski Ranch, San Antonio, TX. 

“It’s a great thrill to help such a deserving community” said Leedy Ying, Shoe City President, adding “It was an awesome event and I am looking forward to future adaptive skateboarding events with Adaptive Action Sports.”

3 year old Cody Reid and Evan Strong

“We are excited to expand our adaptive skateboard opportunities at the X Games and to have Shoe City support our mission,” says AAS Co-Founder and Development Director Amy Purdy. “The addition of a “learn to skateboard clinic” and a competition for a cash purse will open new doors for adaptive skateboarders everywhere,” she added. Amy had no reservations crediting the X Games for their generosity and support, making the statement that “X Games has been an amazing five-year supporter of AAS adaptive programming and continues to provide a great venue, bringing together able bodied and adaptive athletes.”

To check out firsthand what these awesome athletes can do and you are in the Los Angeles area make sure to attend the “Get on Board” AAS Skate Clinic, Demo and Fundraiser on Saturday September 17^th at the Shoe City Center in Whittier California. Contact the Los Angeles AAS L.A. Skate Sector Program Coordinator Oscar Loreto for more details, Oscar@adacs.org. 

AAS would like to say a special thank you to all of our sponsors including; Shoe City, Freedom Innovations, Element, Vans, Dakine, Protec, VitaCoco and the ESPN X Games.

For more information on the Shoe City Invitational/AAS Adaptive Skate Clinic Experience, please contact AAS Co-Founder/Executive Director Daniel Gale at Daniel@adacs.org. For media or sponsorship inquiries please contact AAS Co-Founder/Development Director Amy Purdy at Amy@adacs.org. 

Adaptive Action Sports, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to create and promote Action Sports camps, events and programs for youth, young adults and wounded veterans living with permanent physical disabilities. Since 2005, AAS has sponsored over two dozen action sports events and is widely credited with the development of adaptive Skateboarding, Moto X and Snowboarding.

About Shoe City; 

Shoe City is located in the heart of Los Angeles, featuring 32 retail stores located in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. We have been in business for over 30 years, giving the people of Los Angeles a nice, comfortable place to shop for shoes.
Shoe City carries the latest and hottest brands of shoes. With brands such as Vans, Nike, and Converse,  shoes for the whole family. Shoe City also carries Skechers Shape Ups and Reebok Easy Tones. You will find skate brands like DC, DVS, Lakai, Circa, Etnies in our stores, and athletic brands such as Reebok, Jordan, Adidas, KSwiss, Puma, and much more. We have all sizes from a baby size 1 to a men size 15. 

Need sandals? Shoe City carries sandals from Roxy, Oneill, Quiksilver, Rainbow, Reef, and fashion sandals from companies like Classified and Soda. You can also find all the accessories you want from Jansport backpacks, Nike socks, purses, hats, and skateboards. For more information, visit http://www.shoecity.com.

Shoe City Invitational from Daniel Gale on Vimeo. This additional footage courtesy of the ESPN X Games

Buddy Elias

Amy Purdy and Jami Goldman

5-O from Oscar Loreto

Justin Buchesne

Greg Shaw

Evan Strong

The Whole Posse! Thank you to all of ya!!

Travis Pastrana talks to Adaptive Action Sports, kicking off "We Adapt," a new series of monthly interviews with top athletes.

Travis Pastrana / C.Van Hanja/ESPN Images

  

By Daniel Gale, Executive Director/Co-Founder
Adaptive Action Sports - Click Here to Support Us!

As we carefully pushed pyramids of swag-filled boxes stacked on top of our skateboards, Kep and I could already feel the energy building.  We were passing the Staples Center, heading towards Nokia Square and the Adaptive Action Sports booth at ESPN X Games 17.  Two hours later, the gates opened and the general public poured in. The X Games Village became a bustling metropolis that hummed with anticipation.  In true “Taco-Bell” and “X” style, the machine that is ESPN quickly got a single phrase “trending” through the thousands attending: “PASTRANA-THON!”

Travis Pastrana, one of the undisputed heavy-weight champions of X Games, was gearing up to do something unprecedented. The plan was to compete in Moto X Best Trick on Thursday (the first night of X Games), throw down in Moto X Freestyle on Friday night, fly to Indianapolis to drive in his first NASCAR race ever on Saturday and fly back to Los Angeles in time to compete in RallyCross on Sunday. 

Seriously! That was his plan. 

Travis, 720 attempt at X Games 17

Garth Milan/ESPN Images

If anyone could have done it, it would be Travis.   However, with an unfortunate “twist” (pun intended), Travis nixed the “Pastranathon” by under-rotating a trick that has eluded him for two years at X Games: the 720. 

The crash resulted in more than 20 fractures in 8 bones from his tibia through his ankle and into his foot. Obviously that would mean that Travis would be done for the weekend….right?

Wrong!

In true Pastrana fashion, he shocked everyone on Saturday by driving onto the X Games RallyCross practice course. Embodying the “We adapt” AAS truism, Team Travis worked all night to install a hand control system in his race car to give him the opportunity to compete.

I had the unbelievable honor of interviewing Travis Pastrana after his amazing appearance in RallyCross at X Games 17. 

Thanks for the time Travis, and heal up soon.

Dan Gale:  What is it about being an action sports athlete that appeals to you the most?

Travis:  Riding a motorcycle is what I’ve loved to do since I was 4 years old and my parents used to take me trail riding every weekend.  The sports have evolved, but I enjoy that the mindset has remained the same. . . . Push the boundaries of what’s possible for yourself.  If you push yourself far enough, before you know it, you are pushing not only your own boundaries but also the limits of what others believe to be impossible. . . and that’s where it really gets exciting! 

"Focused" / Photo: Christian Pondella/ESPN

Dan:   Have you ever competed in team sports?  If so, what’s the difference between action sports and team sports?

Travis:  Every sport is essentially a team sport and I’ve yet to see anyone succeed without close friends or family or some sort of team supporting them.  The difference is that, in action sports, when game day comes around, the ball is always in your hands. Good, bad or indifferent, the result is ultimately in your hands.

Dan:   What is the scariest moment in your life?

Travis:  Anytime I’m unprepared to do my job.  If you know what to do and you are aware of the risks, no matter how daunting the task, you have weighed risk to reward and determined it is worth it.   I guess that could also be applied to not being in control. I get nervous a lot for my friends when we film nitro circus, especially when the risk to reward doesn’t add up in my head.

Dan:   What inspires you?

Travis:   People who do what they are passionate about, no matter what criticism or obstacles stand in their way.

Dan:   Our athletes “adapt” in order to participate in action sports. We have found that, with the right amount of forethought, anything can be accomplished. During the X Games you had an injury that made you sit out Moto X Freestyle but you “adapted” to your injury and still competed in the RallyCross. Can you tell us a bit about that; what it was like to have to adapt?

"If you can't Duct it F*ck it!" Travis tapes his foot the gas! Christian Pondella/ESPN

         Travis:  Athletes in any sport find themselves constantly adapting to injury. Two days before X Games I tore the flexor tendon from my middle finger off the bone.  Without use of my middle finger and without time for surgery, we simply taped my middle finger to the pointer finger.  This was a minor adaptation but it meant less fingers to hold onto the bar and an extra finger working the clutch.  

            After best trick, my rally team and I were forced with a much bigger adaptation.  With more than 20 fractures in 8 bones from my tibia through my ankle and into the foot, there was no quick fix. The thought process though was simple: can we find another way to work the throttle? Could I learn how to use the new method of hand controls fast enough to be competitive and also not be a danger on the track? Could I tolerate the pain . . . especially knowing I wouldn’t be able to use any pain killers or even most over the counter medication due to safety and event rules.

            I decided it was worth a shot and the team worked all night to get the car ready. Hand controls were installed.  Was it ideal? No.  Did I win? No.  Was it an amazing experience both for me and the team? Hell, yes.

"Was it an amazing experience both for me and the team? Hell, yes."  Travis Pastrana /  photo Christian Pondella/ESPN

Dan:   Have any of the injuries you’ve had over the years left residual effects? Do you have any injuries that have made you adjust or “adapt” full time?

Travis:  Yes, my right knee doesn’t bend past 90* and my left shoulder falls out of socket when it goes over my head.  I have to adapt my tricks accordingly.

Dan:   Other than the fact that you are a robot superhuman, how do you lessen your recovery time?  What things – like consistent practice, cross training and or diet – do you use to recover?   

Travis:  The day you stop moving is the day you die. The body will recover stronger and faster than any doctor will credit if you just put in the work to make it happen.

Dan:   Can you offer any encouragement or keys to success to the segment of the “adaptive” community (including our injured veterans) who are, or may want to, participate in “action sports” within a safe environment like our Adaptive Action Sports programs or the DirtFish Rally School?

Travis:  If you think you can, you can!

             Don’t let anyone tell you different!

C.Van Hanja/ESPN Images

Travis Pastrana, 5th from the right, pictured here at X Games opening press conference.

C.Van Hanja/ESPN

Travis Pastrana and Shaun White /

C.Van Hanja/ESPN Images

Travis taking the Rallycross dirt jump. 

C.Van Hanja/ESPN Images

C.Van Hanja/ESPN Images

“Veterans in Action-Stay on Track” Rallycross Camp at DirtFish Rally School Concludes at X Games 17!

On July 12-13, three injured Veterans had the opportunity to skid and tear their way across coarse terrain as guests at a two-day training donated to Adaptive Action Sports, Inc., by the DirtFish Rally School (www.dirtfish.com) in Snoqualmie, WA.   

The training was a kick-off event in an AAS rallycross train-and-race series called “Stay on Track.”  The series, which will eventually be open to permanently disabled Veterans and non-Veterans alike, was inaugurated as  part of a new  Veteran-specific AAS program called “Veterans in Action.”

The AAS mission is to provide opportunities for permanently disabled individuals to participate in Action Sports, such as skateboarding, snowboarding and rally racing. “In 2010, we were able to expand our existing Action Sports programs to include a Veterans-in-Action focus,” explains Daniel Gale, Executive Director of the nonprofit AAS.  “Our first two Veterans Learn to Ride and Race snowboard camps, held in 2011, were very successful.  From these camps, we learned that ‘getting back in action’ is the preferred means by which many injured military personnel successfully cope with their disabilities.  This was the stimulus for our Stay on Track program.”

The rally camp was held at DirtFish Rally School, North America’s premier rally training facility. DirtFish’s 315-acre property offers a unique learning environment.  “None of the Vets attending this inaugural program knew quite what to expect,” says Gale, “but undeniably they were pleasantly surprised by the experience. With mud, gravel, and dirt surfaces peppered among abandoned warehouses and buildings, DirtFish offered the Veterans a dramatic setting in which to learn how to race a car.” 

Clinton Okada, a single below the knee amputee, was one of the Veterans who attended. “This was one of the most memorable experiences of my life,” Okada said of the two-day intensive training.  He was accompanied by his fellow “battle buddy” John Beaver.

Beaver and Okada were together when Okada lost his leg in Afghanistan. Their vehicle was exploded by a deep-buried IED that created a chaotic scene.  Although injured himself, Beaver earned a second Purple Heart by pulling Okada to safety with the help of another soldier. 

ADACS.ORG/ DIRTFISH RALLY SCHOOL from Bttocs on Vimeo.

“It was great to share this with Clinton,” said Beaver adding “I will think of this when I think about Okada instead of battle.” (Watch the official AAS DirtFish video on www.adacs.org to hear more about their story.)

Injured vet Brad Steensma, left, with Tanner Foust at X 17

Injured Vet Brad Steensma was also on hand for the AAS Dirtfish training. On the second day of camp, Okada, Beaver and Steensma participated in a friendly timed-race with Steensma coming out on top.  As a result, Brad was given the opportunity to attend X Games 17 on July 31^st to watch the RallyCross event live.  As part of his prize, Brad also had the opportunity to meet top drivers Dave Mirra, Robbie Maddison and Tanner Foust. To top off his experience the above PSA (Video), in which Brad appears, was aired live on site just minutes before the Rallycross Finals.

“I can’t thank AAS enough for this whole experience: from the DirtFish Rally School training all the way to X Games.  I’d do it again in a second” said Steensma.

A long-range “Stay on Track” goal is to provide sanctioned, recognized rally racing opportunities for adaptive drivers.  “Our down-the-road vision,” Gale said, “is to gain adaptive divisions within regional rally racing events and, of course, potentially an adaptive X Games rally contest.”

 “We’re thrilled to support Adaptive Action Sports in its mission,” said DirtFish President, Ross Bentley.  “We’re really looking forward to working with the adaptive drivers that AAS represents.  We can give them a great foundation of skills on their quest to be professional rally drivers.”

DirtFish offers a range of training programs for all levels of drivers.  In addition to many passionate thrill seekers, DirtFish has also worked with action sports stars like Dave Mirra and Shaun White.  

AAS would like to say thank you to all of the sponsors that supported this event including DirtFish, Freedom Innovations, Udo's Oil "Oil the Machine", Coal Headwear, Contour Cameras and Bradley Scott Films.

For additional information, contact AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale at 619-770-0240 or Bruce Cleland of DirtFish Rally School at425-577-2616. 

Brad and The Stig!

Injured Vet Brad Steensma on left with Robbie Maddison

Brad and Dave Mirra

Stay on Track Adaptive Rallycross Camp at Dirtfish Rally School!!!

Adaptive Action Sports and Dirtfish Rally School present "Stay on Track" Rallycross Camp!!

 read more below

On July 11-12, four injured veterans, working with Adaptive Action Sports “Veterans in Action” program, will have the opportunity to skid and tear their way across coarse terrain as guests at a two-day training being donated by the DirtFish Rally School (www.dirtfish.com) in Snoqualmie, WA.  

The training is the kick-off event in a rallycross train and race series called “Stay on Track” by Adaptive Action Sports (AAS), Inc., a non-profit whose mission is to create and promote Action Sports camps, events and programs for youth, young adults and military personnel/veterans who live with permanent physical disabilities.  Since its founding in 2005 by Amy Purdy, a below-the-knee double amputee, and board sports enthusiast Daniel Gale, AAS has primarily made skateboard and snowboard opportunities available to that segment of the disabled population who thrive on meeting the challenge and risk offered by these sports.  

“In 2010, we expanded our existing programs to include a Veterans-in-Action focus,” explains Daniel Gale, AAS Executive Director.  “Our first two AAS Veterans Learn to Ride and Race snowboard camps, held in 2011, were very successful.  From these camps, we learned that ‘getting back in action’ is the preferred means by which many injured military personnel successfully cope with their disabilities.”

In response to Veterans’ requests and with help from sponsors like Freedom Innovations and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), AAS is launching continuing opportunities for Injured Military Personnel and Veterans to learn and improve their rally racing skills or “Stay on Track.”  The Track will eventually provide competition opportunities.   

The camp will be held at DirtFish Rally School, North America’s premier rally training facility. Their 315 acre property offers a unique environment to learn.  With mud, gravel, and dirt surfaces peppered amongst abandoned warehouses and buildings, DirtFish offers a classroom akin to a real-life video game. DirtFish recently hosted the second stop on the Global RallyCross circuit. 

DirtFish offers a range of training programs for all levels of drivers.  In addition to many passionate thrill seekers, DirtFish has also worked with action sports stars like Dave Mirra and Shaun White.  “We’re thrilled to support Adaptive Action Sports in their mission,” said DirtFish President, Ross Bentley.  “We’re really looking forward to working with these students and giving them a great foundation of skills on their quest to be professional rally drivers.”

Participants at the July 11-12 camp will learn left-foot-braking, advanced steering skills, handbrake turns, braking on various surfaces, skid control, advanced cornering skills, competition starts, the use of pace notes, and techniques for reading the terrain. Courses will include asphalt, gravel, dirt and mud surfaces to be experienced in whatever weather conditions prevail.  Each camp day will include approximately six hours of driving and instructed observation time.   

Experienced AAS staff and volunteers will be on hand to address the “adaptive” needs of camp participants. Adaptive Moto X two-time Gold Medalist and accomplished racecar driver Chris Ridgway, a single below knee amputee, will be on hand to address the special needs of an adaptive race car driver.   

On Day 2, one camp participant will be selected (by a to-be-determined method) to be awarded transportation to, and a  full access pass for, the 2011 ESPN X Games 17 where he/she will have the opportunity to meet top rally drivers.

A long-range “Stay on Track” goal is to provide sanctioned, recognized rally racing opportunities for adaptive drivers.  “Our down-the-road vision,” Gale said, “is adaptive divisions within regional Global RallyCross Championships and X Games Rally contests.”

For additional information, contact Bruce Cleland of DirtFish Rally School at 425-577-2616 or AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale at 619-770-0240.  

Check out Shaun White getting down and dirty at Dirtfish with BFGoodrich! Find more videos of Shaun at Dirtfish Rally School at http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/shaunwhite/.

Shoe City Invitational at the ESPN Summer X Games 17 by AAS

July 31, 2011, will be a big day at the Summer XGames for adaptive skaters. 

Adaptive Action Sports – with support from Shoe City -- will host a morning learn-to-ride clinic (9-10 a.m.) followed by an invitation-only skate competition from 11 a.m. to noon.  A 30-minute practice session will precede the competition.  The events will take place in downtown Los Angeles at the official X Games interactive skate park in the X Games village. 

The morning clinic and afternoon events, called The AAS Vet X Experience, will be open to permanently disabled youth and veterans, particularly those living in the Los Angeles area.  Oscar Loreto, Director of the new LA Skateboard Sector for AAS, will direct the coaching program.  Basic level skills will be offered for first-time skaters and practiced riders will receive assistance in improving their current techniques.  (See Camp Woodward: Steven and Oscar “No Handicap Here” on Fuel TV to see Oscar’s coaching in action.)

 

Additional AAS staff and athletes, including below-the-knee amputee and skateboard champion Evan Strong, will be available to help assure that clinic participants receive individual attention and support.

 

Protec will provide protective gear (helmets and pads) for the session and skateboards will be provided by Element. Passes to attend the day’s X Games events will be awarded to veterans, who register for and participate in the clinic.  The participants will also have the opportunity to meet several X Games pro athletes and will be provided lunch.

The Competition will feature 10 to 12 adaptive skateboarders, invited by Adaptive Action Sports.  Guest judges will score the event and a purse of $2500 will be awarded by Shoe City to the rider with the highest overall score. 

The Shoe City AAS competition will be the third in a summer adaptive skateboard series sponsored by Shoe City in 2011.  The preceding competitions will be held on June 25 by Life Rolls On at the Venice Skate Park in Venice Beach, CA, and by Extremity Games on June 24-25 at Texas Ski Ranch, San Antonio, TX. 

For more information on the Shoe City/AAS events, contact AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale at Daniel@adacs.org or AAS LA Skate Sector Director Oscar Loreto at Oscar@adacs.org. 

Aaron Fotheringham at the AAS Adaptive Skate Jam during Summer X 16

Mike Rodgers from Grind for Life at X Games 16

Kurt Yeager at X 16