Hello friends and family!
Competing in the VT 100 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 am extremely passionate about which makes the training mean that much more. 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. 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.
In 2013 I was matched through the IRun4 group with a wonderful little guy named Nick...he can't run so all of the miles I run are dedicated to him! Nick is an energetic and smart boy who loves Buffalo Wild Wings (hence the "nickname"), the color orange, Paw Patrol and his big brothers and sister. He also has limited mobility due to a catastrophic brain injury from birth but let me tell you, NOTHING slows this kid down! I had the super cool opportunity to meet my WingMan and his extraordinary family while at the Indianapolis Marathon in November 2014...I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences ever to see his happy smile and to get one of his signature Big Hug Squeezes! We laughed and sang, he wowed me with his mad spelling skills, we even "raced" his siblings up and down the sidewalk with me pushing him in his chair, and he showed me all of his favorite things at the Children's Museum. Nick has been able to participate in a lot of accessible sports in his home area, thanks to donations to and sponsors of programs just like VT Adaptive. I am proud to be fundraising for such a fantastic cause...and stoked to know that I can help make a difference in the lives of people like my WingMan. One last note about my buddy...last year I also fundraised for this cause...and my WingMan even donated so that other kids could have the same opportunities he has...how awesome is this kid?!?!?!
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 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.