Vermont 100 here I come, AGAIN!
Hello friends, family, colleagues, and trail companions -
Last year’s VT100 was such an incredible experience, with so many lessons learned (and “steps” taken), that I concluded I owed it to myself to do it again. Of course, raising over $3000 for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport last year also gave me great pride and joy. Thanks to everyone who contributed so generously to the cause! With all that in mind, my goals for this year’s VT 100 include taking it out slower, finishing without encountering the “this is going to take soooo long” state, and raising $50/mile.
As I learned, completing 100 miles is best done by breaking the event into smaller chunks. Doing ten 10-mile runs is easier to conceive than the notion of running from my Portland home to downtown Boston (yes, almost exactly 100 miles). The same must be true for my $5000 fundraising goal. Raising $50 per mile seems completely doable and I look forward to your support in this effort. Please consider supporting 1 mile or more of my 100 mile/$5000 journey to help others with different abilities achieve their athletic goals too. As a special incentive, Gloria is offering a handmade mug from her Mount Joy pottery studio to the first 10 donors of $100 or more. Thank you Gloria!
As you may know, the Vermont 100 is not just about the race and racers - it is also a major fundraiser for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport. As a volunteer skipper for Horizons Adaptive Sailing based out of Sail Maine in Portland, I have seen first hand the importance of organizations like VT Adaptive. This is a big part of my inspiration for participating in the Vermont 100 miler and fundraising along with it.
The VT 100 mile endurance race is a challenge on many levels. But I am choosing this challenge and to dedicate my time preparing for it. Meanwhile, on a daily basis, people with disabilities can face even bigger challenges when it comes to being active outside. They often need extra assistance, specialized equipment, and dedicated infrastructure to participate in physical activities like skiing, sailing, running, cycling, and kayaking that foster health, wellbeing, fun and adventure to their lives. Activities that I can flow in and out of with relative ease. Organizations like VT Adaptive and Horizons help make outdoor activities more accessible to those who need it. For me, VT 100 fundraising for Vermont Adaptive, like the time I dedicate to coaching, is a way to give something back to the sports I love. In doing so I can help those less able 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. If you would like to know more about Vermont Adaptive, please visit their website.
As a volunteer skipper with Horizons Adaptive Sailing, I love witnessing the excitement and pleasure my adaptive participants have as we cruise around Casco Bay, many helping to sail the boats and some even taking the helm despite visual impairment, physical limitations, or social-emotional variations. Simply put, they are all incredible and leave the experience full of joy. I leave inspired, realizing that everybody has an opportunity to thrive and be actively engaged in the outdoors and life no matter their limitations. It helps me to remember that every one of us has our own unique abilities, limitations, challenges, and opportunities to encounter regardless of our brains, bodies, backgrounds, or experiences. So, 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 brings to so many people who don’t have it as easy as I do when it comes to training, competing, and enjoying outdoor pursuits.
It takes a team effort. I would be remiss not to mention the team of support that got me though 100 miles last year. Not just you my donors but also my crew - Michael, Rick, Andrea, and Four. I couldn’t have done it without this amazing support. Which reminds me, Adaptive programs are team efforts too, requiring extra resources to provide these opportunities for engagement. Please consider joining my team by donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too! Remember, my fundraising target is $50 per mile. Why not make one or more of those miles your mile too?! Last year’s support was amazing and it inspired me to keep going even in my darkest moments. Thank you in advance for helping me meet these challenges and for joining my 100 mile adventure once again!!
- 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 fundraisers every year. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports: www.vermontadaptive.org.