Hello friends and family!

This July I will be running my fourth 100 mile endurance race, the Vermont 100, with my running-partner-in-crime, Frank Tippett.  I am thrilled that I get to compete in an event that has such a long history in our sport. I also recognize that there are many people who cannot have the same experiences without additional support, so I am joining in a fundraising effort with Run2Empower for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.

Adaptive Sports programs are near and dear to my heart. When I was a teenager,  my cousin Mikey was born with spina bifida.  Despite continual therapies, Mikey was confined to a wheelchair. As Mikey got older his condition was frustrating to him and those frustrations created additional emotional and social challenges..  The one thing that made him feel better was physical activity. Through the adaptive sports communities in Southern California, he was able to participate in both team and individual sports, including a basketball league that he enjoys year after year, and  his biggest joy, surfing. Growing up in Southern California the amazing weather allowed us to participate in sports and outdoor activities year round.. Without adaptive sports Mikey never would have been able to discover the freedom and peace that he has found in the waves.

Just as California provides the surf and the sunshine, Vermont provides the mountains and skiing that so many differently abled people of all ages would not be able to enjoy without Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports provides sports and recreational programs as well as wellness and environmental retreats to people with disabilities. Their programs are offered to people of all ages, with a variety of disabilities. Programs include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and Nordic in the winter; and sailing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more in the warmer months.

Having seen the positive changes that adaptive sports bring  to an athlete and their entire family, I  ask you to please consider donating to Vermont Adaptive so they can continue to provide life improving activities and opportunities to their community.  

Thank you!

MORE INFO:
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that empowers people of all disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, year round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional/behavioral disabilities.    The organization believes sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual.

With nearly 400 active volunteer instructors, plus generous partners and sponsors, and an amazing base of clients and friends, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has been at the forefront of sports and recreation for those with disabilities in New England for over 30 years. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. We promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.

The VT 100 is one of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports biggest fund raisers every year. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports: www.vermontadaptive.org.

The Vermont 100 Endurance Race is celebrating its 32nd year!  While the Vermont 100 Endurance Ride is much older, the run portion was started by the same woman, Laura Farrell, who founded Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. The VT 100 is put on every year by a committee of 30 dedicated volunteers who work year round, 500+ volunteers who come out for race weekend, more than 30 private land owners and many donors of funds, products or services. Monies raised from the event support the year-round programs offered by Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.

The 100 mile course is a "shamrock" loop, consisting of 70% dirt or jeep roads with the rest on woods trails with just a couple miles of pavement. The course both climbs and descends 17,000 feet. Participants have 30 hours to complete the race and many strive to finish in less than 24 hours. In 2008 we added a 100 K course that uses almost all of the same trail, just cutting out the first of the shamrocks leaves.  The ride event offers a 100 mile course concurrent with the 100 mile run, as well as a 50 mile and 75 mile event that uses much of the same course.

All 100 Mile run participants must have completed a 50 mile race in 12 hours or less to qualify and every runner is required to volunteer for 8 hours at a running event or trail work to enter.

Helping athletes achieve their goals

• anonymous donated $120.00 March 4, 2020
• anonymous donated $100.00 March 4, 2020