VA WINTER SPORTS CLINIC

Sunapee, NH January 8, 2007 On January 8, 2007 Project Healing Waters began its expansion into the Northeast when two PHW volunteers attended the Veterans Administration’s Winter Sports Clinic at Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire. Richard Diamond, of the Federation of Fly Fishers board of directors and PHW Northeast Coordinator Cleve Van Haasteren, spent the day tying flies and answering questions for the disabled veterans and VA Staff in attendance.

The VA Winter Sports Clinic is an annual event sponsored by the Boston area VA Hospitals. This year, over 100 disabled veterans from across New England attended the Clinic to learn and participate in winter sports, such as downhill skiing, where specially designed equipment is used to compensate for lost and injured limbs. For the first time, fly fishing was added to the list of therapeutic activities available to VA patients.

The FFF / PHW fly tying demonstration drew a crowd of onlookers who were fascinated with the fly tying and simulated casting using the Fly-O indoor training rod. Of particular interest were the genetic rooster capes, furs and other colorful fly tying materials used. Richard Diamond had a variety of flies on display and explained their application in fly fishing. Many found it incredible that large trout could be caught with tiny dry flies less than a quarter inch in length.

The PHW volunteers also learned from the veterans, who talked about the challenges their disabilities would pose when learning to tie flies or cast. One blind veteran spoke of his fly fishing experience before he lost his sight and is looking forward to learning to tie flies at the VA Medical Center at Togus, Maine.

On February 12, 2007, PHW Director Ed Nicholson and program spokesman Army 1LT Eivind Forseth will travel to Togus, Maine to meet with veterans and volunteers. The kick-off in Brockton, Mass is also planned for early February 2007.

Cleve Van Haasteren