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History of Adaptive Skiing
The roots
of adaptive skiing stem from combat injuries. Disabled European veterans were the first to discover the benefits of skiing
as they looked for rehabilitation and recreation opportunities after returning from World War II.
In 1942, Franz
Wendel was the first disabled person to enter a skiing competition. After suffering a leg amputation in the war, he fashioned
a pair of crutches and attached them to short skis enabling him to crutch ski.
By the late 1940's the Austrian Ski
Association was financing a division for handicapped skiers. Simultaneously, European and American programs began to develop
at army hospitals. The Viet Nam War produced many unfortunate casualties, but provided a boost to the development of adaptive
skiing. Equipment and facilities have continued to grow and improve in recent years.
A new era began in 1983 when
the International Olympic Committe sanctioned the Third World Winter Games for the Disabled. Not only did this boost the
prestige of the program, it also helped to promote fundraising efforts and program development worldwide. The Third World
Disableld Ski Championships were held in 1986 in Sweden and the United States placed first. Since 1992, the paralympics has
been established as the Olympics for disabled skiers.
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