Oh hello there!

This summer, I will be going out for my second attempt at the Vermont 100 Miler.  I look forward to the challenge, and will be spending the winter, spring and early summer of 2016 training for the big event.  As you know, running has become a big part of my life, and completing the VT100 is a goal I have had for some time.

I'm very fortunate to be able to train for this event - there are people out there for whom just getting out to go for a walk can be a challenge.  There are folks who need some extra assistance to partake in activities that bring 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. 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.

The VT100 is a fundraiser for Vermont Adaptive, and this year, I'm a charity runner.  I am aiming to raise a minimum of $1,000 ($10 for every mile!) to support the many great activities and programs organized by Vermont Adaptive.  You'll see a number of different giving levels and the impact you can have through your philanthropy.  I hope that you will give as generously as you are able to support this wonderful organization.  

Thanks!!

Jeff, aka the Hat Guy

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.

• Jeff Olson donated $270.00 June 6, 2016 ... "Best of luck--thanks for working hard for a great cause"
• Ben and Lauren Bruno donated $120.00 April 29, 2016 ... "WOOOOOOO! VICTORY! FREEDOM!"
• A. MCMENAMIN donated $120.00 March 11, 2016 ... "Kudos to you! Have a great race! "
• anonymous donated $120.00 December 5, 2015
• Bacon donated $65.00 May 7, 2016 ... "WOOOOO!"
• BERT donated $65.00 April 29, 2016 ... "WOOOOOOOOO"
• Stephanie Winkler donated $50.00 April 28, 2016 ... "Rock on with your bad self!"
• Susan Kavanagh donated $35.00 June 3, 2016 ... "You GO!"
• Sarah Audet donated $35.00 December 17, 2015 ... "May there be no obstacles on your course. ;) "
• Rick Greene donated $35.00 December 17, 2015 ... "Go get 'em, Jeff!"
• Josh donated $35.00 December 10, 2015 ... "Git 'er done."
• Amanda B. donated $25.00 July 13, 2016 ... "You got this!"
• anonymous donated $10.00 February 3, 2016
• Yeager Anderson donated $10.00 December 18, 2015 ... "Please accept this donation as a belated birthday present!"
• Alex Schaefer donated $10.00 December 17, 2015 ... "Although I don't understand why you lunatics want to run/walk/crawl/limp this much at a time, at least your sacrifice is for a good cause."
• Your old boss donated $10.00 December 17, 2015 ... "Don't quit...otherwise"
• Daniel Murphy donated $10.00 December 17, 2015