The holidays are with us again. But, you know, even though they come every year, we don’t get tired of them. In fact, we really like them, for all the joys that they can bring to us, but also because they give us time to reflect on our blessings, our families, and friends, and all that we can be thankful for from the past year.

Thanks to all of our helpful and gracious volunteers, who gave of their time and talents for the good of others; thanks to our sponsors, who gave so generously so others could experience the joy of active sports programs; thanks to our chapters and staff, for all of the guidance, creativity, and hard work to make our events well-conceived and smooth-running; and, of course, thanks to all of you who participated to make them successful.

We are also thankful for the opportunity to work with our brave service members through the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project. Through instruction and participation in summer and winter sports, the Wounded Warriors are shown that there are many possibilities within their grasp, and that they can fulfill their hopes and dreams.

We also have a lot to look forward to in 2007 – especially DS/USA’s 40th Anniversary! Our chapters and staff are already planning exciting events for next year. We hope that our sponsors will renew their involvements, because, quite frankly, we couldn’t carry on without them. We invite the volunteers to return to help again, and we encourage others to join in. There’s hardly any feeling such as seeing one’s efforts turn into joy for others who need it so much.

And, finally, we certainly hope that the athletes, Wounded Warriors, and many others who participated in the events and activities this year will find it possible to return and join in again, hopefully with lots of new faces out there as well.

Let’s rejoice in this holiday season, and look forward to a successful and enjoyable New Year.

Kirk Bauer
Executive Director