The Hartford's Ski Spectacular
Ability on Display at The Hartford Ski Spectacular
More than 800 disabled men, women and children descended on Breckenridge, CO the week of Dec. 2 for the 20th year of The Hartford Ski Spectacular - the 14th consecutive year The Hartford was the title sponsor.
It is the premier event for The Hartford’s Group Benefits Division and a perfect venue to showcase its Ability Philosophy in action. With the latest adaptive ski equipment and certified instructors, recently disabled attendees learned that even with a catastrophic injury, anything is possible.
The program provided business sessions, an opportunity to hear from eight U.S. Paralympians and meet and ski with the participants, including members of the armed forces who were guests of the Wounded Warrior Project.
The Hartford also invited two special guests, disabled firefighters Steve Halliday from New York City, N.Y. and Isaac Feliciano from Patterson, N.J. These two first responders took part in the week-long learn-to-ski program.
"It was a great week for me," said Feliciano, who had a leg amputated below the knee. "I was able to do something I hadn't tried in years. I can't wait to get back to New Jersey and buy my first snowboard!" Halliday, who was burned over 60 percent of his body during a house fire, was exhausted after the week-long event but very satisfied with his results. "It was a long week but I can't thank The Hartford enough for giving me this opportunity to not only learn to ski but to be able to meet with other people who have the same life experiences as I do," he said.
“The magnificent event was beyond words,” said Chris Reynen, vice president of Theasco Benefits, LLC. “I have to say that no other 'business trip' has ever created such a whirlwind of emotion and display of human kindness as this event did. I look forward to spreading the learned message on the Paralympics, Disabled Sports USA, Wounded Warriors and, of course, The Hartford's strong commitment to these organizations."
The Hartford has already committed to being the title sponsor in 2008 for its 15th consecutive year.
Photo Gallery- December 2007
Breckenridge, CO
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Sandy Dukat
US Paralympian Sandy Dukat with Ski Spec guests.
Learning To Ski
Disabled skiier learning to ski.
Liz Zlatkus with a crowd of people at Ski Spec.
Liz Zlatkus with a crowd of people at Ski Spec.
Chris John
Broker Chris John in a mono ski.
Paul Martin
US Paralympian Paul Martin with guests.
