Central Cross Country Ski Association

ABOUT ADAPTIVE CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Adaptive cross-country skiing (Adaptive XC) is a winter sport in which participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles. It is popular in many countries with large snowfields, primarily Northern Europe, Canada, Alaska and the Nothern tier of the United States.

Cross-country skiing is open to individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. Depending on functional disability, an individual may use a sit-ski, a chair equipped with a pair of skis, or standard equipment. Individuals with visual impairments can participate with a sighted guide.

Individuals with disabilities can participate in cross-country skiing on the recreational or competitive levels.

Recreational cross-country skiing increases strength, mobility, and endurance, and improves balance as it prevents physical atrophy, regression, and mental depression. Not only does it increase fitness, but through the learning of new skills, it also fosters independence and a sense of freedom. With new skills, the individual with a disability can begin to achieve new goals and take pride in new accomplishments. For people with disabilities, the process of becoming more self-sufficient is fundamental to self-esteem.

Competitive cross country skiing allows male and female athletes to participate in short distance, middle distance and long distance (ranging from 2.5km to 20km) events or compete in a team relay using classical or free techniques. There are local, regional and national level competitions available for individuals with disabilities along with training camps and demo events. Cross-country skiing in the U.S. is governed by the U.S Paralympics (USP) with co-ordination by the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team. Athletes from 24 countries participated in the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

ABOUT CENTRAL CROSS COUNTRY SKI ASSOCIATION ADAPTIVE PROGRAM
Central Cross Country Ski Association (“CXC Skiing”) is recognized by the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (“USSA”) as the sole regional organization governing cross country skiing in the 10 state Central Region of the United States. CXC Skiing provides an organization which enables athletes, coaches and officials to achieve excellence in cross country skiing through: EDUCATION, COOPERATION, COMMUNICATION, and COMPETITION.

The CXC Adaptive Program is committed to providing year round, cross country skiing sports specific recreational, training, and competitive athletic programs for disabled individuals. The program will assist military and community agencies, ski areas and ski clubs to identify, promote, and support diverse athletic opportunities throughout the USSA Central Region.

HISTORY
CXC established a disabled ski program in 2005 by bringing the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team to the Madison, WI SuperTour event and purchasing one sit ski. Since that time, over 30 disabled individuals have participated in the program with 90 sit skis currently in use by CXC through 15 Opportunity Centers and various other venues and rehabilitation facilities. The curriculum is growing every year. The need for enhanced programs and more adjustable sit skis is increasing rapidly.

“U.S. Paralympics is very excited in CXC’s enthusiasm in helping develop an athlete pipeline for 2014 & 2018 Winter Paralympics. CXC’s foundation of a well established Nordic culture provides an excellent model to integrate people with physical disabilities”, said Julie Minahan, U.S. Paralympic Skiing Development and Education Coordinator

The newly created CXC Adaptive Program is committed to providing year round cross country skiing sports specific recreational, training, and competitive athletic programs for individuals with physical disabilities. The basic program will follow the successful CXC able bodied model including recreational skiing, camps, clinics, and competitive opportunities with a direct pipeline to the US Adaptive Ski Team. The program will assist military and community agencies and medical facilities, along with ski areas and ski clubs to identify, promote, and support diverse athletic opportunities by:

• Identifying and establishing relationships with DAV, VA, PVA, military medical facilities, hospitals, physical therapy clinics and rehabilitation centers to bring awareness about the CXC Adaptive Program and available opportunities.

• Organizing and implementing seminars, clinics and events.

• Recruiting and supporting interested disabled veterans and other qualified individuals to participate in cross country ski experiences including ongoing seminars and clinics.

• Delivering educational and equipment support at no charge for continuing participation through the “Opportunity Center” Program.

• Delivering advanced training and racing opportunities for interested disabled veterans and other individuals.

• Identifying, recruiting and supporting individuals with physical and visual disabilities who are in need of sports opportunities and have the inspiration, motivation and drive for athletic excellence through existing and newly developed partnerships with sports organizations while acting as a direct pipeline to the US Adaptive Ski Team and the Paralympics.