ROCKVILLE, Md., March 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Disabled Sports USA's (DSUSA) Warfighter Sports program announced today that American International Group, Inc.'s (AIG) 2015 Winter Summit raised $700,000 for its benefit.
Warfighter Sports offers sports rehabilitation for severely wounded warriors in military hospitals and communities across the U.S. Since 2003, more than 9,000 of the most severely wounded and their families have been served, including those with single or multiple amputations, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, and significant nerve and muscle damage.
The AIG Winter Summit, held this week at Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont, has been an annual event for over 25 years. It is attended by AIG business partners and professionals from across the insurance industry, as well as wounded warriors, all of whom participate in ski and snowboard races to raise funds for the Warfighter Sports program.
Thanks to generous sponsors such as AIG, all expenses for participation are free for the warrior and a family member, including individualized adaptive instruction, adaptive sports equipment, accessible transportation, lodging and meals. Over 1,400 wounded warriors were served through the Warfighter Sports program last year alone, in large part due to generous support from the 2014 AIG Winter Summit.
Purple Heart recipient Joshua Elliott, retired US Marine Corps Sergeant, was struck by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2011, causing him to lose both legs above the knee and three fingers.
"Skiing helped me when I first went off medications and introduced me to a world of opportunities that I otherwise would never have known existed without AIG and Warfighter Sports." Sergeant Elliott said. "Competitive alpine ski racing made me realize my full potential and gave me the drive to continue to live. The AIG Winter Summit has provided me the opportunity to turn my dream into reality."
Peter Hancock, President and Chief Executive Officer of AIG, said, "It is our honor to host this event and support these remarkable veterans. They show us the true meaning of perseverance and courage – through their service to country and through their resolve to overcome the daunting challenges they have faced since returning from war. "
Kirk Bauer JD, Executive Director of DSUSA, said, "The AIG Winter Summit not only offers warriors the opportunity to race and enjoy the camaraderie of people at the event, but the funds raised support adaptive sports programs throughout the year through a nationwide network of over 100 community-based chapters in 42 states. We thank AIG and its Winter Summit partners for their commitment to helping wounded warriors rebuild their lives through sports."
About Disabled Sports USA
Founded in 1967, Disabled Sports USA is a charitable organization that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence and fitness through participation in sports. What began as a program to serve Vietnam veterans has since grown into one of the nation's largest multi-sport, multi-disability organizations, annually serving more than 60,000 wounded warriors, youth and adults with disabilities. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Disabled Sports USA offers programs in more than 40 summer and winter sports through its nationwide network of more than 100 community-based chapters. For more information, visit www.disabledsportsusa.org.
About AIG
American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading international insurance organization serving customers in more than 130 countries. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional, and individual customers through one of the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life insurance and retirement services in the United States. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
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AIG is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty, life and retirement, and general insurance operations of American International Group, Inc. For additional information, please visit our website at www.aig.com. All products and services are written or provided by subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. Products or services may not be available in all countries, and coverage is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties. Certain property-casualty coverages may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds, and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds.