Olympic Authority introduces TAPS members to the healing power of the ADKS

LAKE PLACID | More than 20 young adults from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) spent time in Lake Placid Sept. 10-14 to find connection, healing, and adventure together. TAPS, a nonprofit that cares for families and friends grieving the loss of U.S. service members, joined with the local community to explore Olympic sites and enjoy activities across the Adirondacks. The Young Adults TAPS Experience in Lake Placid was designed to give survivors age 18 to 30 opportunities to grow, learn, and heal, while building peer connections in a safe, supportive environment. Percy Bone, from Washington State, lost her father, a former member of the U.S. Air Force Alpine Ski Team. She first visited Lake Placid with TAPS this spring, so came to her second visit as a seasoned TAPS member hoping to lend support to first-timers. "My first ever trip with TAPS was actually coming to Lake Placid in March of this year. That trip was life-changing for me. And the reason I am doing more of them. This time around, I'm mostly here to support the others. I like being able to make connections with people and especially in Lake Placid. It's a very special place." Maxx Ray is from Jacksonville, Fla. She, too, lost her father. "This time of year is especially difficult. My dad died on September 6th. His birthday was the 4th and today [the 12th] is the anniversary of his memorial service. So this is a really rough time of year. I'm glad the trip was scheduled for this time." This year's itinerary included these Lake Placid Legacy Site experiences: Mt Van Hoevenberg: Venue tour with USA Bobsled and Skeleton Push Championships, athlete meet-and-greets, indoor climbing, and laser biathlon Olympic Jumping Complex: Gondola ride, glass elevator to HS128 observation deck, Sky Flyer Zipline, and ski jump training demonstrations USA Luge: Hands-on luge experience Olympic Center: Ice skating in the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena and curling in the USA Rink Lake Placid Olympic Museum: Guided tour of exhibits and Olympic history Community Activities: Projects honoring loved ones and supporting grief healing All the activities were carefully designed to ensure that experiences were welcoming, supportive, and inclusive. At Mt Van Hoevenberg, for example, activities were paced and tailored so every participant could participate comfortably, whether trying the climbing wall, experiencing laser biathlon, or simply cheering on peers. Across the venues, thoughtful planning—from how the schedule flowed to how spaces were set up—helped create an environment where Survivors felt safe, respected, and able to engage at their own comfort level. The Olympic Authority's commitment to fostering this kind of environment meant every Survivor had the chance to connect, reflect, and create lasting memories in Lake Placid. "This visit provided our Young Adults the chance to navigate their loss in a healing, supportive environment," said Sammi Hester, TAPS Young Adults Program Manager. "The program emphasizes love of country, service, and community, and Lake Placid is a space where our Survivors feel respected and honored." TAPS members were accompanied by three staff, with about half of the participants attending a TAPS event for the first time. This marks the fourth time a TAPS group has participated in a Lake Placid experience focused on healing and personal growth.

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Olympic Authority introduces TAPS members to the healing power of the ADKS

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