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
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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

Oscar Loreto "Already Been Done" article by Robert Brink

Robert Brink interviews Adaptive Action Sports L.A. Skateboard Sector Director and Athlete, Oscar Loreto, who lets us in for a closer look at his skateboard experience.  


Click here to read now!

Thanks to "Monster" Mike Shultz for attending our Vets in Action Snowboard Camp!

Mike Shultz, two time X Games Gold Medalist, a single above knee amputee who has manufactured his own knee attended the AAS Vets in Action Learn to Ride and Race Camp held in Copper Mountain Colorado. Shultz brought his knee with him to be tested by the wounded veterans at the camp.

Keith Deutsch who tested the knee while in Copper said "This knee changes everything for me! So awesome!" Deutsch would win a gold medal later that week while wearing the BioDapt Knee as Shultz named it. Visit the BioDapt facebook page for more info or email Mike at monstermike@brainnerd.net. Also visit Mikes personal page here at Moto Knee.

Thanks for coming out and supporting our troops and AAS programming Mike!

Hope to see you again next year!

Drastic Changes at Summer X Games

ESPN is making big changes at Summer XGames…

Although no press release has been published by ESPN, it is official:  

Moto Super X has been dropped from the X Games program for Summer 2011. This, unfortunately, means that the X Game’s “Adaptive” Moto Super X division has also been tabled. The decision is due to budget constraints within the X Games franchise.  For the same reason, the Adaptive Skateboard Jam has also been cut.  

Daniel Gale, AAS Director and official Sport Organizer for all Summer XGames “Adaptive” programming, notes that, at this time, he still hopes that the 2^nd annual Adaptive Snowboarder X will return to the Winter X Games at Aspen, Colorado, in 2012.  

He adds that “Adaptive Action Sports will continue to work with ESPN and the X Games to develop new and exciting programs within the current X Games program format.  In the meantime, we will be at the AAS Booth in the Team ESPN tent in the Summer X Games Village.  Please plan to visit!”

AAS continues to officially support the Extremity Games’ adaptive motocross race.  (For information on the Extremity Games, visit www.extremitygames.com)  

To keep Adaptive Moto X momentum going, AAS proposes forming a coalition of individuals and organizations interested in developing an adaptive motocross series. “We all have contributed,” says Gale, “in creating a new sport and that sport deserves a permanent home.”   

If you are interested in being a part of the “Adaptive Motocross Coalition” or have additional questions regarding the X Games events, please contact Daniel Gale via email at daniel@adacs.org.

Amy Purdy on the Dr. Drew Show with Niki Sixx

AAS Co-Founder Amy Purdy on the Dr. Drew Show!

Check out Amy on the Dr. Drew Show tonight with Nikki Sixx. Niki is being interviewed about his recent book release in which Amy is a subject. She'll be on at 6pm, 9pm and midnight tonight, 4/28/2011. Click here for more info on HLN.

Visit www.adacs.org for more information on Adaptive Action Sports.

Para-Snowboarding World Cup in Canada and Veterans Learn to Ride and Race! Read more soon!

Fresh off of two back-to-back Para-Snowboarding events; our second Veterans in Action Learn to Ride and Race Camp and the Canadian Para-Snowboard World Cup, the AAS crew is reeling from success.

The "Veterans in Action" Learn to Ride and Race Camp coincided with the USASA Nationals and brought out 12 total adaptive athletes to improve their race skills. Eight of the participants were wounded vets from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Among the vet campers, Keith Deutsch, Christopher Bain and Travis Krebs competed in the adaptive divisions boardercross race. This made history by being the first ever adaptive "veteran only" race field with Deutsch placing first, Bain second and Krebs third.

Please check back soon for more info on our Veterans in Action Learn to Ride and Race Camp.

The Canadian Snowboard World Cups were mountains of fun! Thanks goes out to our Canadian hosts, The Canadian Snowboard Federation and Candice Drouin, for creating such a successful event. The course proved to be challenging and fast. The US contingency dominated the field taking home multiple medals on both days.

AAS Co-Founder Amy Purdy put together a consistent effort and placed third in both races. AAS friend Bibian Mentel put in times fast enough rival the able bodied women, winning two back-to-back gold medals. Long time AAS friend Nicole Roundy came to race and walked away from the week with two back to back silver medals.

On the mens side Mike Shea and Keith Gabel battled for second place on the first day with Gabel barely edging out Shea. On the second day both were edged out of second place by Carl Murphy from New Zealand leaving Shea in third for the second day as well. Murphy was happy to stand on the silver medal podium the second day after having dealt with prosthetic malfunctions the first day keeping him from contention. AAS advocate Evan Strong put in the fastest mens times from both races, that would have nearly qualified him for the able bodied mens division, and has two gold medals to show for it.

Here are the final results...

RESULTS – WSF PARA-SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP RACE #1 – FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2011
MEN
1. Evan Strong (USA)
2. Keith Gabel (USA)
3. Mike Shea (USA)
WOMEN
1. Bibian Mentel (NED)
2. Nicole Purdy (USA)
3. Amy Purdy (USA)
RESULTS – WSF PARA-SNOWBOARD WORLD CUP RACE #2 – SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2011
MEN
1. Evan Strong (USA)
2. Carl Murphy (NZ)
3. Mike Shea (USA)
WOMEN
1. Bibian Mentel (NED)
2. Nicole Purdy (USA)
3. Amy Purdy (USA)

Check back soon for more pics and info from both events.

Thanks again to USASA and our Canadian hosts!!! Please check back soon for more information and more photographs from both events!

What has AAS been up to this year?

Watch what we have been up to this year here!

AAS "Veterans in Action" Learn to Ride and Race Camp

Competitive adaptive snowboarding has progressed in leaps and bounds over the past decade. With the Paralympics as an end goal, Adaptive Action Sports continues to forge the way with unique programming.

On February 24-26, 2011, with a grant from Disabled Sports USA and support from the Paralympics, AAS hosted the first annual “Veterans in Action” (AAS’ New Veteran Specific Programming) Learn to Ride and Race Pipeline Camp at Sierra at Tahoe “Snowboard” Resort. The camp, designed as one of AAS’ new Pipeline series, focused on teaching snowboard fundamentals and race techniques to wounded veterans.  “A participant may enter at any skill level and work to increase his/her on-snow skill set. Each rider’s personal goals will vary but the ultimate goal perhaps, is landing a spot the US Adaptive Snowboard Team, once Para-Snowboarding is recognized as a Paralympic event” says Daniel Gale Executive Director and Co-Founder of AAS.

Six veterans and two civilians participated in AAS’ inaugural three day camp.  Training culminated with the option of participating in a USASA Regional Adaptive Boarder X race, which coincided with the camp’s last day.  Veterans in Action camper Tanner Kuth took third in the race. “I’m not the fastest yet, but I am ready to get after it,” single below knee amputee Tanner stated after receiving his bronze medal.

“I have no fear coming down the mountain” were Chris Bain’s words during Thursday’s practice. On Saturday, after spending snow time with single below knee amputee and AAS Advocate/Mentor Evan Strong, Chris -- who was injured by an RPG (rocket propelled grenade) -- proved himself by bringing home a Gold medal from the USASA Men’s Adaptive Division.  “He’s really fast and has a great attitude towards life,” Evan said of Chris.   

James Tidwell, who lives with limited mobility from an IED (improvised explosive device), was on hand to gather a silver medal crossing the finish line just behind Bain.  

Gary Nolte an expert kayaker from Kentucky attended the program to try snowboarding for the first time. Not one to give up easily after incurring serious back injuries and loosing sight in one eye from small arms fire Gary pushed himself to the limit while in Tahoe. We look forward to seeing Gary again at future AAS programs.

Bethany Wolf, who was snowboarding with a spinal cord L2 through S1 fusion, looked like a natural. After spending some time with AAS Coach and Program Coordinator Chris “Kep” Koeppe, Beth was linking turns all the way down the slope.

Jasmine Perry, a single below knee amputee, attended the AAS Pipeline camp to build on the skills she learned at this year’s DSUSA Breckinridge Ski Spectacular.  There, she was coached by double below knee amputee, Amy Purdy.  Amy, AAS’ Co-Founder and Development Director, is currently ranked as the top Adaptive Female Snowboarder in the world.  Amy worked with Jasmine on intermediate skills during the Sierra Pipeline camp.

Other instruction and coaching was provided during the camp by Sierra at Tahoe Instructor/Coach Rob Ross and Daniel Gale. 

The South Lake Tahoe community chipped in to help make this first Veterans in Action camp a success with local businesses providing great support.  “Tahoe’s Boutique Resort,” The Inn by the Lake, provided complimentary accommodations for all of the Veterans and AAS camp staff. Dan Mchale, owner of the Inn, said:  “It was an honor to give back to those that gave so much for us.”  Dan also arranged a no-cost evening for the participants and staff at Tahoe Bowl and Blue Dog Pizza.  Check out www.innbythelake.com for your next Tahoe trip.

President Sean Raftree of Ski Butlers Lake Tahoe generously donated snowboards and helmets for each camper to use during the program. For information on ski and snowboard rentals in Lake Tahoe, visit www.skibutlers.com/heavenly-tahoe-ski-rentals . 

Montbleu Casino and Resort invited the group to have a meal at the buffet and watch a live mixed martial arts fight in the showroom.   JP and Barbra Tenney from Apres Wine Co. hosted the vets for an evening of appetizers and a sip of wine.  Harrah’s Casino saved a VIP booth at their exclusive night club,Vex, for the AAS group to celebrate the last camp evening.

Additional sponsors, also deserving thanks, include Sierra at Tahoe Snowboard Resort, Coal Headwear, Udo’s Oil, Vans, Protec Helmets and the United States of America Snowboard Association.

For more information about upcoming AAS Veterans in Action programs or to learn how to help our amazing warriors return to “action,” visit www.adacs.org, email info@adacs.org or call 619-770-0240.

Click below for news articles on the Sierra at Tahoe Camp.

http://www.laketahoenews.net/2011/02/disabled-veterans-prove-their-abilities-on-sierras-slopes/

http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20110226/NEWS/110229908&parentprofile=search

 Right to left; Chris Bain, James Tidwell and Tanner Kuth get poised to race!

Apre Ski Wine Co owner Barbra Tenney and Amy Purdy share a sip of wine after hours.

 Coach Kep working with Gary Nolte on some fundamentals of snow sliding..

 Amy Purdy, Tanner Kuth and Daniel Gale staying warm under the helmet with Oil The Machine beanies.

 The Abominable Kep Dog!

 Jasmine Perry, Gary Nolte and James Tidwell staging before a day of riding.

 

This was the real deal. The guy in the red got knocked out...

 The boys got to meet the number gals from the fight!

 The nerves are starting to build! I love racing!

 

Al Vano schooling the ranks before the gates start dropping!

 AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale isn't scared to race (center "black n yellow..")! Snowboarders for snowboarders that's what we say! 3rd Place that day....

 Evan Strong putting it on the line to reel em in (far right)..

Amy Purdy looking purdy coming down the mountain!

 Chris Bain defying Newtons law!

Staying low is crucial!

Tanner Kuth in his competitive depute! 3rd place on the day!

Left to Right; Gary Nolte wood worker extraordinaire, Rob Ross Sierra at Tahoe/AAS Boarder X Coach, Chris Bain the Man with the Silver Tongue and Chef Evan Strong plot to take over the world!

 Evan breakin a piece off!! Literally. Snapped pylon!

Beth Wolf looks shocked!

But have no fear Scott from Ultra Prosthetic is on site with his tool box!

 Scott, giving Evan a hand....er foot.........whatever!

 Chest of robot parts...

 Tanner getting a fresh set of tires.

 Tanner giving us some parting words to live by!