U.S. Paralympians and injured warriors join Hartford Ski Resort

Denver, Colorado——No. 38^th The annual Hartford Ski Extravaganza, presented by Move United, will be held December 8-14 in Breckenridge, Colo., with more than 800 people including first-time skiers and Paralympians attending .

The Hartford Ski Extravaganza is one of the oldest winter sports festivals for people with physical disabilities. The competition, held at Breckenridge Ski Area and Beaver Run Resort, will feature participants competing in six adaptive sports, including snowboarding, Nordic skiing and sled hockey.

This year, several injured veterans who will represent the United States at the first Invictus Winter Games in 2025 will participate in the event and train and improve their skills. In addition, more than 60 wounded veterans, service members, dependents and military medical personnel from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and San Antonio Military Medical Center, as well as veterans from approximately a dozen VA and communities across the United States Participate in this activity as part of their recovery.

“For more than three decades, the Hartford Ski Extravaganza has provided youth and adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joys of outdoor snow sports,” said Glenn Merry, executive director of Move United. “I hear it time and time again. ” How powerful this experience can be in changing who attendees realize they are.”
On Dec. 11, Hartford Stadium will surprise 15 athletes with custom adaptive sports gear, along with Paralympic medalist Keith Gabel. According to a press release from Move United, adaptive athletes must pay approximately 15 times more for equipment than non-adaptive athletes.

“We are extremely proud to have been the title sponsor of the Hartford Ski Event for over 30 years,” said Mike Fish, director of group benefits for Hartford. “As a leading disability insurance company, we recognize how sport can help people return to active and productive lives. Our enduring partnership with Move United is breaking down barriers to participation, allowing more young people and adults with disabilities to experience the joy of sport and freedom.”