Hi Friends!

Please consider supporting me in completing this year's VT100 Endurance Race, and Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport's mission to empower people of all disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming.

Those of you who know me closely understand that I spent many years out of touch with the ability to express myself physically through athleticism - I feel so fortunate that I found friends and a supportive community that have brought me back in touch with the power of sports, especially outdoor sport.

Now that I'm realigned with one of my core purposes - to challenge my body and explore the outdoors - it feels like a natural opportunity to help others access that same feeling of self-actualization.  I don't want anyone to feel like they can't become the athlete they were meant to be because of a disability, and if I can help raise money to connect an athlete with their goals, it's an honor to do so.

Of particular importance to me personally, ~30% of Vermont Adaptive's participants are children; I think it's so important to open doors to great experiences and stoke passions early in life.  Another ~30% of participants are veterans, and ~15% of participants have autism spectrum disorders.

Last year, over 400 volunteers helped almost 1,100 participant athletes engage in more than 5,000 activites and outings.

I think that's incredible.  If you agree, 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.

The Vermont 100 Endurance Race is celebrating its 34th edition!  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 a qualifying race and every runner is required to volunteer for 8 hours at a running event or trail work to enter.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a nationally recognized organization that empowers people of all abilities 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 disabilities.

Vermont Adaptive serves clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional/behavioral disabilities from all over the world in three locations in Vermont during the winter – Killington Resort and Pico Mountain in Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Ski Area in Bolton. Summer programs are provided state-wide. Many of their programs include environmental education, wellness, and special programs designed specifically for veterans.

• Drew Cullum donated $1,500.00 November 20, 2024 ... "Please join me in doing our part to help Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport bring the power of sport to athletes of every kind of body!"
• anonymous donated $100.00 November 20, 2024 ... "Good luck Drew!"