Making the most of winter weather, the Sandy Hook-based LOF Adaptive Skiers on Thursday, March 1, hosted a day of skiing for veterans at Mount Southington in Plantsville. This event was made possible through a grant received from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and in collaboration with Southern Connecticut State University and Mount Southington.

"We are happy to be able to provide a great day of skiing to individuals who have given so much of themselves to this country," said Joel Zeisler, LOF executive director and founder. "We are extremely fortunate to have the support from Jay Dougherty and his staff at Mount Southington to host our events."

LOF Adaptive Skiers focuses on inclusion, opportunity, and experiences by providing adaptive ski and veteran events that promote physical and emotional empowerment, fun, exposure to new experiences, positive recreational experiences, new friendships and supports, and improved athletic abilities.

LOF Adaptive Skiers is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that improves the lives of individuals and veterans with disabilities through adaptive sports, specifically water and snow skiing. For the last 25 years LOF has been serving adults, children, and veterans along the east coast.

Established in 1992 by Mr Zeisler, a former national champion water ski jumper and member of the United States Marines, LOF got its start after a Vietnam veteran contacted Mr Zeisler to relearn to waterski after a rocket-propelled grenade claimed his vision. The veteran not only was able to ski again, but went on to win gold medals at both the World and US Disabled Water Ski Competitions.

Through transformative experiences LOF Adaptive Skiers and its volunteers have continued to carry out the original mission; empowering individuals through adaptive skiing; and are recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in adaptive waterskiing.

For more information, contact Mr Zeisler at lofskiers@gmail.com.

[naviga:img class="aligncenter wp-image-308335" src="https://newtownbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/LOF-Adaptive-Skiers-Hit-Slopes-instructor-with-veteran.jpg" alt="LOF Adaptive Skiers Hit Slopes instructor with veteran" width="600" height="450" /]

Instructors Peter Anderau and Lynn Wiener work with veteran David Roy as he balances on his skis.

-photos courtesy LOF Adaptive Skiers

[naviga:img class="aligncenter wp-image-308336" src="https://newtownbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/LOF-Skiers-Hit-Slopes-embrace.jpg" alt="LOF Skiers Hit Slopes embrace" width="600" height="450" /]

Veteran David Ferri receives a medal and a hug from LOF Program Manager Eleni Petridis.