Outdoor Adventures
Throughout the year, we host challenging events in which our fellow Sheep Dogs can participate. These adventures give them opportunities to get up off the couch, be around their peers, and reengage in life. Particularly for those injured in combat or the line of duty, SDIA's Outdoor Adventures give our Sheep Dogs a chance to see how far they have come since being injured, and remind them that no matter the obstacle, they can overcome it with their brothers and sisters by their side. As a result, participants have a new focus, revitalized self-confidence, and are reminded that they can continue making a difference in their communities and for their country. Past adventures have included obstacle races, skydiving, whitewater rafting, big game & bird hunts, ruck marches, and scuba diving.
Testimonials: Asheville Adventure Weekend & Spartan Super, August 6, 2016 - U.S. Navy veteran and firefighter, Jamie Smith, felt the Spartan Super's grueling 9-mile course and 25 obstacles provided the challenge he...
Rafting & Racing Inspire Sheep Dogs
They started arriving in North Carolina on Thursday, August 4, and by Friday, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) had 70+ veterans, first responders and supporters gathered to participate in their Western North Carolina Chapter’s Adventure Weekend. This annual adventure culminates in running the Asheville Spartan Super, and for 30 of the participants, the race would be a test of how far they had come since being injured in combat or the line of duty - and a reminder that no matter the obstacle, they can overcome it all with their brothers and sisters by their side. The Sheep Dogs started their weekend with a hearty breakfast at the Dixie Diner in Hendersonville on Friday morning, followed by white water rafting on the Nantahala River.
James Hurn, Deputy Sheriff with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, summed up the experience the best. “I thought it was going to be a typical rafting trip,” he said. “But I quickly learned that when you...
SPARTAN BEAST RACE – Breckenridge, CO
On June 13th, a Team of 13 Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) members and supporters participated in the Spartan Beast Race in Breckenridge, CO. SDIA was honored to sponsor, with the support of New Creature and Spartan, two combat wounded veterans, Sgt Matt Spang (US Army) and SSgt Jose Sanchez (USMC), as they both pushed their limits on this 13-mile course.
While in Afghanistan, Sgt Spang suffered severe injuries and lost both legs below the knee. SSgt Sanchez lost one leg and suffered major injuries to his other leg while serving in Iraq. To see these young warriors push themselves through the grueling Beast course was an inspiration to everyone on the race trail.
Prior to the Beast, the furthest Sgt Spang had gone on his prosthetic legs in one outing was 200 yards. But that Saturday, he surpassed all expectations. The steep snow-covered descents were especially difficult, but with the entire team working together, all made it safely down...