Hello friends and family!
Competing in the VT 100 is a goal I have had for the past couple years. It is a challange I am eagerly awaiting. There are others for whom the challenge is just being able to get out to the recreation area, let alone participate. So after seeing so many of my friends use their running to fund raise for worthy causes I've decided it time for me to put all these miles to good use.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is such an organization. It provides sports and recreational programs as well as wellness and environmental retreats to people with disabilities. They’re 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.

My fund raising goal is ambitious, I thought of settling for a minimal goal but decided if I'm going to do it I might as well put as much effort into it as I do my training.

Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too! 

Sorry I couldn't et this out there sooner for yesterdays Giving Tuesday, but I know between now and June 1 we can get meet that goal.

Thank you for your support!

Mark

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.

The Vermont 100 Endurance Race is in its 28th 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 14,000 – 15,000 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.

• Mark donated $100.00 December 3, 2015
• Scott H. donated $65.00 February 22, 2016 ... "Go get 'em, Goat!!"
• Rondinone donated $50.00 February 20, 2016 ... "Good luck, I'm jealous!"
• B.Wright donated $50.00 February 19, 2016
• Tom Elis donated $50.00 February 14, 2016 ... "See you in VT!"
• Vicki Arel donated $50.00 December 4, 2015 ... "Go Mark....its just two 50-milers!"
• g-bob donated $50.00 December 3, 2015 ... "Good Luck Mark...heard there are some hills on this course."
• Scott H (part deux) donated $35.00 June 29, 2016 ... "Go get 'em, Mark!!"
• Chris Demosey donated $35.00 February 14, 2016 ... "You're a good man. "