Allied Winter Sports Camp helps the ill and injured “Soldier On”
March 9, 2020 - Defence Stories
Last month, Soldier On hosted the 2020 Allied Winter Sports Camp at Whistler Blackcomb in BC. It is an annual event aimed at helping ill and injured military members recover through winter sports.
Among this year’s participants were four serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and six veterans, all of whom acquired an illness or a physical or mental health injury while serving Canada.
“Challenges are not unique and recovery has no boundaries,” says Soldier On National Manager Jay Feyko, as ill and injured members from across our allied nations came together on a joint journey to recovery through physical activity.
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After a spinal injury in 2008, LCdr Raymond Trotter continued his service in the Canadian Armed Forces. He recently took part in his first Allied Winter Sports Camp, hosted by Soldier On at Whistler Blackcomb, BC.
Together with peers from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, they practiced nordic and alpine skiing, bobsledding, snowboarding, sledge hockey, and ziplining.
“It was both challenging and rewarding,” says LCdr Raymond Trotter, executive officer of Base Information Services at Esquimalt, BC.
LCdr Trotter incurred a spinal injury in 2008, but is able to continue his service in the Forces. Last year, he learned about Soldier On and the organization’s efforts to help ill and injured military members recover through sports. The Allied Winter Sports Camp at Whistler Blackcomb was his first experience with Soldier On. LCdr Trotter described the activities as diverse, physically demanding, and very therapeutic—but the best part was the lasting friendships formed.
“It’s a very trusting and non-judgmental environment as everybody is in the same situation. Within 24 hours we were like best friends. To have access to that kind of a support network was truly incredible,” he says.
Halfway through the 10 day camp, the participants were joined by the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, who participated in a sledge hockey game to show his support.
“It was great that he was here,” says LCdr Trotter. “It showed the participants of other nations that Canada is taking these things seriously.”
Soldier On provides resources and opportunities for veterans and serving members to accept and adapt to their mental or physical injury through active participation in physical activity and sport. The program is an integral component of the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group's commitment to improve the quality of life of ill and injured members. Find out how you can make a difference by supporting Soldier On.