Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson and former Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz opened the 20th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic at Snowmass Village, Colo., April 3, praising participants for their sacrifices and their focus on their abilities, not their disabilities.

Secretary Nicholson saluted this year's 350 participants, including about 50 wounded during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, for their willingness to push beyond their comfort zones to discover the challenges they can overcome. He told them their "indomitable spirit and optimism and can-do attitude ... epitomize America."

"You are showing that there are no barriers to living life to the fullest and being a productive person if you put your mind to it," he said. "By your achievements in the field of sport this week, you will again showcase that spirit of America."

The winter sports clinic is about a lot more than skiing, Secretary Nicholson said.

"It's about coming together, getting to know each other and bonding and realizing a whole new set of life experiences," he said. "It's opening them up to a whole 'nother life."

The program, jointly sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Disabled American Veterans, is open to U.S. military veterans with disabilities ranging from spinal cord injuries and orthopedic amputations to visual impairment and neurological conditions.

The six-day program is designed to help them push their limits and discover new abilities. Veterans learn adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing. They also are introduced to a variety of other activities and sports, such as rock climbing, scuba diving, trapshooting, snowmobiling and sled hockey.

This year, for the first time, participants will also be introduced to racing techniques and other Paralympic sports, such as wheelchair fencing.

Between their scheduled sports activities, participants will kick back to the entertainment of country music star Clay Walker and visit with actress Bo Derek, national honorary chairwoman for VA's rehabilitation special events.

Mr. Wolfowitz, president of the World Bank, told the group he was so impressed by what he witnessed at last year's clinic, which he attended as deputy defense secretary, that he didn't want to miss this year's event.

"It was fantastic ... it just blew my mind," he told the group. "I didn't realize that this is sort of like basic training, taken to a higher level ... I realized what this program pushes you to do and helps you learn to do, and I heard over and over and over again (that) this is a life-changing experience."

Beyond helping disabled veterans push beyond their limitations, the program helps create a forum for veterans to support and inspire each other, Mr. Wolfowitz said.

"I think it's very important, because the support you give one another and the support that families give one another is part of what makes these miracles happen," he said.

The former deputy defense secretary thanked the sponsors and volunteers who make the winter sports clinic possible. Among them are more than 150 certified handicapped ski instructors. Several current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team are serving as instructors.

During opening ceremonies, Paul Jackson, national commander of Disabled American Veterans, urged participants to push toward their limits.

"If you don't push yourself to your limits every once in awhile, you never know what could have been," he said. "Get out there and give it all that you've got."