Class of 2024
Innovator and Leader in West Virginia Snow Sports
Adaptive Athlete & Programs
David Begg
David Begg was a trailblazer in adaptive skiing, dedicating his life to making outdoor sports accessible and inclusive. After losing his leg in an above-knee amputation following an industrial accident in Pittsburgh in the early 1980s, David learned single-track adaptive skiing, a skill that ignited his passion for adaptive sports and advocacy.
David’s career in the ski industry began with a support role at Silvercreek Ski Area when it opened in 1984. By 1988, he was appointed Director of the Ski School, where he supported adaptive skiing programs and helped host significant events, such as a national adaptive skiing event featuring Paralympic skier Diane Golden and the Jimmie Heuga Ski Express fundraiser for MS research.
Key Milestones and Achievements
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Adaptive Skiing Advocacy and Leadership:
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In 1988, David became the first adaptive skier to compete in the Governor’s Cup Race at Canaan Valley Ski Area, earning the prestigious Anita & Bob Barton Award.
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Returned in 1994 as Director of Challenged Athletes of West Virginia (CAWV), a nonprofit dedicated to providing adaptive skiing opportunities at Snowshoe/Silvercreek.
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Program Growth and Infrastructure:
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Oversaw the transformation of the adaptive skiing program from operating in a small shed to a state-of-the-art log Adaptive Center, shared with the Silvercreek Ski Patrol.
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Expanded the program’s capacity with aggressive fundraising, allowing for new equipment, increased lesson demand, and professional development for instructors through PSIA Alpine and Adaptive certifications.
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Veterans and Community Outreach:
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Organized annual adaptive events for military veterans, including partnerships with the Wounded Warrior Project and Warfighter Sports. These events provided skiing, tubing, and recreational opportunities for veterans and their families.
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Fostered collaboration with adaptive programs at Timberline, Canaan Valley, and Wintergreen, as well as hosting joint training sessions and equipment sharing.
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Supported Special Olympics programming and summer activities like bicycling, boating, and fishing.
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Legacy and Dedication:
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Under David’s leadership, CAWV expanded to include year-round adaptive sports programming.
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In 2020, the Adaptive Center at Snowshoe was dedicated to David’s memory in recognition of his transformative contributions to the adaptive skiing community.
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David’s enduring legacy lives on in the continued growth of the CAWV programs and the passion of the many instructors and volunteers he inspired. His vision and dedication provided countless individuals with opportunities to experience the joy of skiing and outdoor sports.