Hello friends and family!
Fourth time’s a charm, right? Oh, wait, maybe I have that wrong. But I’m looking forward to my fourth year of taking on the Vermont 100 Endurance Race and supporting a great cause at the same time - Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports.
Did you know, in order to support its mission in 2023, Vermont Adaptive must raise over $400,000 for programming, athlete scholarships and expensive adaptive equipment? Can you help me help them reach this goal?
See below for information on all the great things that Vermont Adaptive does to make sports and recreational activities accessible to those whose disabilities might otherwise not allow them to participate.
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
As always, thank you to all who have donated to this cause on my behalf in the past! Can I count on you again?
Thank you!
John
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Update: February 6, 2023
Awesome day yesterday at Pico Mountain in VT skiing and snowshoeing with some great people from Team Run2Empower (Vermont 100 fundraising team) and Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports.
Vermont 100 Fundraisers were offered the opportunity to see Vermont Adaptive in action during the Winter Ski Festival for visually-impaired athletes. It's amazing how much work and time the volunteers put into these programs, and the enjoyment that they and the athletes take away from it all.
The morning was spent skiing alongside several of the visually-impaired skiiers and their guides. Weather and trail conditions were very good, and smiles were all around. It was amazing to see these skiiers overcoming their physical challenges and enjoying the slopes!
In the afternoon, a small group of us ventured out on snowshoes up to the summit and back down. We caught the eyes of many skiiers who were no doubt wondering why we would choose to walk up the mountain on snowshoes when there were perfectly good chairlifts available!
One of the people in our snowshoe group, Kyle, is a visually-impaired skiier, ultra-runner and craft beer connoisseur - among other things - so naturally we get along pretty well. I've seen Kyle at multiple trail running events over the years, including the Vermont 100, and have always been impressed with his energy, determination and friendly demeanor.
After the day's activities, we enjoyed some laughs over beers in the lodge - a great end to a great day.
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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.