Hello friends and family!
I am taking on my biggest endurance challenge to date-the Vermont 100 Mile Race- and I cannot think of a better opportunity to leverage all of my hard work than to support a wonderful organization near and dear to my heart-Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports (VASS).
I started alpine skiing at age 12, just a few short months after I was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that has left me legally blind. Although running is my current passion, skiing continues to be my first love. However, during my late 20s/early 30s as my usable vision decreased so did my enjoyment of skiing. I was more cautious than ever-nervous that I was going to hit someone or something. Skiing with my wife and daughter was the only fun thing about skiing. Fast-forward to 2015 when I attended a ski weekend for people who are blind/visually impaired hosted by VASS and the United States Association of Blind Athletes. I skied with sighted guides for the first time and by the second run I had this overwhelming sense of excitement and freedom. My VASS guide Phil, who is an outstanding skier, led me down every trail I wanted to ski at whatever speed I wanted. I even talked him into taking me through a short mogul field :) By lunchtime I had fallen back in love with skiing and all I wanted to do was get back out on the hill. I have VASS to thank for this.
My story is not unique though. VASS supports hundreds, if not thousands, of athletes like me through their winter and summer program. They also have a strong commitment to supporting members of our Armed Services. 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.
I have been training for the VT 100 since early January, running anywhere from 40-70 miles a week (including 4-5 hours on both Saturdays and Sundays). My A+ stretch goal is to finish in under 24 hours. You better believe that VASS' work and the individuals they support will be at the forefront of my mind come race day. And your genersous support of VASS will help to keep me moving forward one step at a time.
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
With Deep Gratitude,
Kyle
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 nearly 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.