Hello friends and family!
This July, I will be participating in the VT 100 - a 100 mile endurance run through the trails and dirt roads of Vermont. While it will certainly be tough both physically and mentally, I'm also excited and grateful for the ability and opportunity to give it a shot. There are others for whom just getting out to walk can be a challenge, and who need a little extra assistance to experience the enjoyment and satisfaction that recreation brings. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports provides sports and recreational programs, as well as wellness and environmental retreats, to people of all ages with a variety of disabilities. Programs include skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter; and sailing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more in the warmer months. VT 100 is one of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports' biggest fundraisers every year...and we can help them reach their fundraising goal ($100,000...equivalent to 2+ years of downhill skiing every single day! Or nearly 4 years of daily kayak trips!). If you are able, please consider making a donation, no matter the size - just $10 provides a visibility vest for a blind athete or guide. You can find more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports here: www.vermontadaptive.org.
As a special bonus and personalized thank you, I'll even send you a post-race photo of my favorite race-incurred injury (e.g., blisters, chaffed skin, toenail (may or may not be attached), cankles, destroyed psyche, etc). Last summer I broke a pinky while running and received a cast to my elbow and a sling. Imagine the possibilities over 100 miles! You won't be disappointed (if you are I'll buy you a beer too).
THANK YOU for reading, and for your consideration and support!
Vermont 100 Endurance Race - VT 100 Fundraising
The Vermont 100 Endurance Race is in its 29th year and 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 15 dedicated volunteers who work year round, 250 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 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.
All 100 Mile participants must have completed a 50 mile race in 12 hours or less to qualify and everyone is required to volunteer for 8 hours at a running event or trail work to enter.
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. Vermont Adaptive promotes independence and furthers equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, tennis, horseback riding, wellness and environmental programming and more. We serve 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 in Bolton. Summer programs are provided state-wide.
With nearly 400 active volunteers, 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.
Mission
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.
Our Vision
We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual. To that end, we extend an enormous thanks to our affiliates, sponsors and partners who believe in our mission and vision, and who afford us the opportunity to bring sports and recreation to our clients' lives.