Winter sports heal the ill and injured

Participants in Soldier On’s 2020 Allied Winter Sports Camp in Whistler, B.C., gather with Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan for a group photograph. Photo credit Soldier On

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Amidst Whistler’s towering mountain peaks and crisp fallen snow, former and current ill or injured military members carved a path to recovery through winter sports.

Two weeks ago, Soldier On hosted a camp at Whistler Blackcomb for a group of Canadians, Americans, Australians, and Britishers to help them heal both physically and mentally through five activities: Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, bobsledding, snowboarding, sledge hockey, and ziplining. 

LCdr Raymond Trotter, 38, says it was an experience he will never forget.

“It was a high-point in my life because I truly believe it was life-altering. Everyone involved was supportive and non-judgemental, and in a short period of eight days many of us formed friendships I am certain will last a lifetime.”

There was a competitive edge to the events, but the real win was the good medicine that comes from sports.

“There was an incredibly therapeutic atmosphere doing these sports with people in similar circumstances as you,” said LCdr Trotter. “Barriers came down quickly even though we were all strangers heading into this. We are all soldiers, so we understood each other from the get-go.”

Many participants did tours in Afghanistan or Iraq and shared a common experience even though their injuries are different. For LCdr Trotter, he suffered a spinal injury during preparations to deploy to Afghanistan in 2008. He has endured chronic pain over 12 years finding some relief through a pain clinic, physiotherapy, and acupuncture. Sports, he says, is one of his most vital recovery tools as it quickly reminds him of his strengths and weak areas.

Soldier On National Manager Jay Feyko, a retired infantry man, is a believer in the power sports to heal.

“Not only does the camp demonstrate the power of sport, it brings ill and injured members together from across our allied nations to world-class venues. It drives home that these members are not alone, and that sport can be a vehicle to support their challenges and road to recovery.”

In a show of support, Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan joined a sledge hockey game, learning how to maneuver on a sled through the use of special hockey sticks with metal “teeth” on the tips to navigate the ice.