Accessible Olympic Sites Provide Space for Healing and Connection

More than 20 young adults from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will spend time in Lake Placid from September 10-14, finding connection, healing, and adventure together. TAPS, a nonprofit that cares for families and friends grieving the loss of U.S. service members, will join with the local community to explore Olympic sites and enjoy activities across the Adirondacks.

The Young Adults TAPS Experience in Lake Placid is designed to give survivors ages 18 to 30 opportunities to grow, learn, and heal, while building peer connections in a safe, supportive environment. This year’s agenda includes 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 have been carefully designed to ensure that experiences are welcoming, supportive, and inclusive. At Mt Van Hoevenberg, for example, activities are paced and tailored so every participant can take part comfortably, whether it’s trying the climbing wall, experiencing laser biathlon, or simply cheering on peers. Across the venues, thoughtful planning—from how the schedule flows to how spaces are set up—helps create an environment where Survivors feel safe, respected, and able to engage at their own comfort level. The Olympic Authority’s commitment to fostering this kind of environment means every Survivor has the chance to connect, reflect, and create lasting memories in Lake Placid.

“This visit provides 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.”

The group will include over 20 TAPS members 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.

Media Contact: Jaime Collins, [email protected]