SOLO was established in 1979 through the St. Joseph County Parks Department, Special Olympics and Memorial Hospital in conjunction with several service organizations.
Today it operates as its own, independent organization with tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status and a board. It is an all volunteer organization with no paid staff.
SOLO is a volunteer program directed by community professionals who contribute to the independence of those who face daily challenges beyond their control. With the aid of special equipment and skilled instructors, SOLO has made skiing a reality for hundreds of disabled individuals in our area for over 35 years. SOLO instructors are trained in adapted ski techniques for teaching physically, visually, and mentally disabled individuals from age 8 to adult.
SOLO currently conducts a downhill skiing program at Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones, Mich., and a cross-country and snowshoeing program at Rum Village Park in South Bend, Ind.
SOLO IS A CHAPTER OF MOVE UNITED.
MOVE UNITED is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3). In 1967, Disabled Sports USA was begun by a disabled Vietnam veterans to serve the war injured. It developed into a nationwide sports rehabilitation programs for anyone with a permanent disability. Activities have included winter skiing, water sports, summer and winter competitions, fitness and special sports events. Participants include those with visual impairments, amputations, spinal cord injury, dwarfism, multiple sclerosis, head injury, cerebral palsy, and other neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions. Recently, the organization merged with Adaptive Sports USA to become MOVE UNITED.
The mission of MOVE UNITED is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs. You can find more information on MOVE UNITED at https://www.moveunitedsport.org.
