Hello friends, family, and trail companions!
In a few weeks, I will be running the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Race. As you may recall, I was originally slated to run it in 2000 but then… and last year was cancelled as well. But the good news is that I’ve now had three season to prepare for it and NOW I AM READY! In fact, I just finished test run #2 – the Pineland Farms 50 miler – over Memorial Day Weekend, taking 2nd place overall in a time of 8:33, a PR for me at that distance.
The Vermont 100 is also major fundraiser for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport. This inspired me even further to run the Vermont 100 miler, since I am a strong supporter of adaptive sports and a volunteer skipper at Horizons Adaptive Sailing based out of Sail Maine.
Competing in the VT 100 mile race is a challenge that I look forward to meeting this summer. While I have spent hours, days, months and even years training for this event, it is something that I have been passionate about. There are people out there for whom just getting out to walk can be a challenge. People who need a little extra assistance to meet the challenge that brings health, fun and passion to their lives. So, like coaching, this is another way I can give back time and effort to the sports I love and in doing so help other to enjoy them too!
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports provides sports and recreational programs as well as wellness and environmental retreats to people with disabilities. 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.
As a volunteer skipper with Horizons Adaptive Sailing, I love witnessing the excitement and pleasure my adaptive crew have as we cruise around Casco Bay, often helping to sail the boats and often taking the helm despite visual impairment, physical limitations, or social-emotional variations. Simply put, they are all incredible. It was through these interactions in part that I decided to become a teacher, realizing that everybody has an opportunity to thrive and be actively engaged in life and their communities. It helps me to remember everyday how much each one of us has our own unique abilities, challenges, and opportunities no matter our brains or bodies, backgrounds, or experiences.
Did you watch any of the Paralympic? The accomplishments of these athletes were amazing to witness given the additional hurdles they face to already challenging endeavors. Programs like Vermont Adaptive make this happen, not just for athletes but many many others, young and older, who get to pursue and enjoy the same outdoor activities we all love and cherish because of their programing.
As I make my way over the rolling green mountains, gravel roads, and horse paths of central Vermont, I will be inspired by the joys and opportunities Vermont Adaptive bring to so many people who don’t have it as easy as I do when it comes to training, competing, and enjoying sports. I encourage you to join me through by making a financial contribution. If you would like to know more about Vermont Adaptive, please visit their website.
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
Thank you!
- George
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.