Dozens of children with asthma enjoyed a visit this week from two-time
US Olympic bobsledder and US Army Sergeant Nick Cunningham. The Monterey
native spoke to campers enrolled in The Mark Velcoff, MD Asthma Camp sponsored
by Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and Children’s Miracle
Network Hospitals.
“It’s so nice to be here with you and it’s great that
you are learning how to manage and control your asthma,” said Nick
Cunningham, two-time winter Olympian with Team USA. “Remember, you
can achieve any goal you set your mind to.”
Cunningham shared his life experiences with campers, emphasizing that every
decision is important and even decisions early in life have allowed him
to fulfill his Olympic dreams. “The decisions you make now, no matter
how insignificant they may seem, can lead to great things,” said
Cunningham.
The elite athlete also brought his two-man bobsled to Asthma Camp and showed
campers how it works and how to sit in it to achieve top speed. Students
were eager to learn more about bobsledding and erupted in a spontaneous
‘USA!’ chant.
“It was awesome meeting a real Olympic athlete,” said Asthma
Camp participant, 8-year-old Davio Quintero. “The best part was
being able to talk to Nick and stand next to the bobsled!”
The American bobsledder has been competing since 2008 and participated
in both the two-man and four-man bobsled events at the 2010 Vancouver
Games and the 2014 Sochi Games. Cunningham is currently training for the
2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games.
The Mark Velcoff, MD Asthma Camp teaches children living with mild to severe
asthma how to recognize triggers, manage symptoms and treat their condition.
Medical staff from Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System including
physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists supervises camp activities.
This year the camp is making adjustments to some of the outdoor activities
due to the Soberanes Fire currently burning in nearby Big Sur. The forest
fire is affecting air quality throughout Monterey County.
The final day of camp Friday includes an opening ceremony, Camp Olympics,
a family lunch and graduation ceremony. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
System President and CEO Pete Delgado and Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter will
be among those in attendance.