Paralympic Appreciation Day April 12, 2007

Vail's Mayor, Rod Slifer and the Vail Town Council have has declared April 12, 2007, Paralympic Day which will recognize the accomplishments of local athletes who train and live in the Vail Valley. Vail has produced some of the most successful Paralympic skiers in history including Greg Mannino, Rik Heid, John Davis, Adrian Rivera, Kathy Gentile-Patty, Sarah Billmeier, Sarah Will, Sandy Dukat, Ralph Green and Chris Waddell. Many have gone on to successful careers in prosthetics, home contracting, public speaking, education, the medical profession and even rocket science.

The Vail Community has been incredibly gracious to these local athletes and one house in particular located in Matterhorn has house these athletes since the early 80's.

Pictured above, Paralympic Bronze medalist Sandy Dukat, and Ralph Green, of the 2007 US Disabled Alpine Ski Team. Ralph and Sandy have both been living and training in the valley and skiing with Ski Club Vail for the last three seasons. Both Sandy and Ralph have attended the Salt Lake City Paralympic Games and the Torino Games. Sandy is a two time Paralympic Bronze Medalist from both the Salt Lake City Paralympic Games and the Torino Paralympic Games in the Giant Slalom event.