(2/23) Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports (BRASS) is hosting a ‘Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project Snow Sports Weekend’ at Liberty Mountain Resort in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. On March 3rd and 4th, 2007, BRASS will host ten severely wounded service members, Wounded Warriors, from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict and the Global War on Terrorism. The military personnel are currently patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC and will spend the weekend at Liberty Mountain Resort learning to ski and snowboard.

These soldiers, airmen and marines are going through a very difficult time. They are warriors and athletes, and the majority of them are in their twenties. This sudden, traumatic change in physical ability makes service members vulnerable to psychological and emotional, as well as physical trauma which severely impacts them and their families. What they need at this stage in their recovery process is the promise of a bright and active future. With the proper adaptive equipment and trained instructors, they can successfully learn a sport – almost any sport – in one day. This immediate success provides a foundation for the development of a positive self-image and outlook on life.

Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports, Inc. (BRASS) – is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities through adaptive snow sports and recreational opportunities. BRASS is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA. The organization is led and run by volunteers dedicated to providing ski and snowboard instruction for people with disabilities. Sports and recreation are significant factors in enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.

BRASS will be providing this snow sports opportunity to the Wounded Warriors free of charge, including transportation, lodging, meals, adaptive equipment and individualized instruction. Fundraising efforts are underway to underwrite the cost of the Snow Sports Weekend.

Volunteers will plan and run the event for the benefit of the Wounded Warriors while involving the community. Businesses from Fairfield, Gettysburg and other towns are welcoming the Wounded Warriors and working to enhance their visit to South Central Pennsylvania. The Times & News Publishing Company of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania has generously agreed to sponsor a Saturday evening banquet in honor of these soldiers.

Since the BRASS Snow Sports Weekend is offered free of charge to the Wounded Warriors and their families, BRASS must raise the funds needed to host the event. Please send donations to: BRASS, P.O. Box 1414, Severna Park, MD 21146. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Web site: www.brasski.org, email: info@brasski.org.

Wounded Warrior Project – Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting those men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have been severely injured during the wars on terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world. Beginning at the bedside of the severely wounded, WWP provides programs and services designed to ease the burdens of these heroes and their families, aid in the recovery process and smooth the transition back to civilian life. To find out more please visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org or call 1-800-404-2898.

Disabled Sports USA – Founded in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans, Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA) provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through sports, recreation and educational programs. The organization is the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability organization serving more than 60,000 people nationwide. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, DS/USA offers sports rehabilitation and recreation programs through its nationwide network of over 80 community-based chapters. Please visit www.dsusa.org or call 301-217-9840.

Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports, Inc. (BRASS) – is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities through adaptive snow sports and recreational opportunities. BRASS is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA. The organization is led and run by volunteers dedicated to providing ski and snowboard instruction for people with disabilities. Sports and recreation are significant factors in enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Web site: www.brasski.org, email: info@brasski.org , or contact Leslie White or Janet Hall at 717-642-8282 x3479.