Update: April 30, 2021
With the Vermont 100 Endurance Race now canceled for 2021, it’s time for those of us who were signed up as participants to contemplate our next big adventure run for this year ... and to contemplate how we might still be able to help out a great cause.
No doubt, I was disappointed at the news from the perspective of a participant, but I will adjust my plans for this year, and with luck I will return to the VT100 next year.
I sympathize with the organizers and volunteer committee who put SO much into this event each year and had to make the very tough call to cancel again. Not to mention Vermont Adaptive - the charity organization that will no doubt see a decline in fundraising from not having this major annual event.
In the past year of "virtual" and "socially-distanced" events, I'm sure it has been a very tough time for Vermont Adaptive to continue with its mission to provide inclusive sports and recreational programs for those with disabilities, and the need to raise money to support this mission has not changed in the face of a pandemic.
The purpose and spirit of the Vermont 100 has always been in support of raising funds for Vermont Adaptive. So, with this in mind, even though the race had to be canceled this year, I would still like to encourage my friends and family to consider making a donation in support of this great cause.
It all adds up, and any amount can truly make a difference. Please consider making a donation on my fundraising link if you are able. Thank you!
(And yes, I already have some things lining up for "the next adventure"...)
https://www.pledgereg.com/3687/johnsheedy
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Hello friends and family!
I hope you are all persevering in the new and interesting world that 2020 has brought us.
Let's now look forward to 2021 when hopefully things will begin to trend back to "normal" - whatever that might be. ;-)
My new "normal" over the past several years has been to run ultramarathons, with the Vermont 100 quickly becoming my favorite event each year.
So once again for 2021, I'm looking forward to the challenge of running in the Vermont 100 and the opportunity to reconnect with friends (and to meet new ones) among the runners, pacers, crews, organizers, and volunteers supporting the race.
More importantly, I'm also looking forward to helping to make this next Vermont 100 one of the most successful fundraising events ever for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports in support of it's mission to empower people of all abilities through year-round inclusive sports and recreational programs. (Learn more below, and on their website www.vermontadaptive.org).
2020 was a very difficult year for many charitable organizations that had key fundraising events cancelled and had to find innovative new ways to try to bring in much needed funding.
Take a closer look and see what the Vermont 100 and Vermont Adaptive are all about, and please consider making a donation if you are able to help this great cause! Thank you!
John
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.