Hello friends and family! (My notations will be in bold throughout this message!)
Competing in the VT 100 is a challenge that I look forward to meeting this summer. (Well, actually... there was a global pandemic and the race was cancelled. However, the wonderful race director at VT 100, Amy Rusiecki, is encouraging runners to create their own challenges to celebrate the #MyVT100. This is a really cool opportunity for a few reasons: a) it will allow runners to help fundraise for VT Adaptive and b) it will encourage some really creative ways to celebrate a weekend everybody was looking forward to.)
While I have spent hours, days, months and even years training for this event, it is something that I have been passionate about. (This remains true! Although I over did things a bit and came away with an overuse injury in late March, now that I have healed, I have been diligently been bike commuting and running in the mountains whenever I can. I've been fortunate enough to learn the joyful way that the best way to experience a place is through self-propelled motion. Edward Abbey said it well; 'A man on foot, on horseback or on a bicycle will see more, feel more, enjoy more in one mile than the motorized tourists can in a hundred miles.' With this in mind, I want to get my 'new' home mountains better, as well as mirror the dawn to dusk joys of moving throughout a beautiful landscape. A few years ago, My friend Peter came up with the idea to 'run' all five of Vermont's 4,000 footers (Mansfield, Camel's Hump, Abraham, Ellen and Killington) and link them together by bicycle. I will attempt to complete this adventure on Sunday, July 19th.)
There are people out there for whom just getting out to walk can be a challenge. People who need a little extra assistance to meet the challenge that brings health, fun and passion to their lives. 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. (This cause is as worthy as ever. I hope you'll join me in supporting such a wonderful organization. If you are looking at this page, you are someone I know personally, and in all likelihood, someone whose life and worldview has been shaped by the privilege and joy of getting outside. VT Adaptive helps make the dream of getting everyone access to those experiences a reality.
Once this page goes live, I will be pledging $100 to kick things off. The VT 100 is one of their biggest annual fundraisers and just because the race was cancelled, does not mean our support for Vermont Adaptive needs to be! If anything, non profits could use our support more than ever. Thanks so much for your consideration!)
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
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.