A Winter Wish Come True
December 18, 2010
photo credit: Nancy Nutile McMenemy
It’s been quite cold in the mountains of North Carolina and we might be facing another unforgiving winter with its grand accumulation of snow making travel difficult for those of us with disabilities. However, if we have the “Can Do” spirit the challenges are not an obstacle; they’re a spur to accomplishment!
Christmas is a season of awe and hope where miracles become possible, but there are more exciting events coming up than flying reindeer. I was inspired to hear about the United States Association of Blind Athlete’s (USABA) Annual Winter Festival to be held in Killington, VT on February 11-14. The event is open to people of all ages and abilities who are blind or visually impaired.
Hosted by Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport (VASS), this festival shows the determination and dedication on the part of all the participants and is a great example of what human beings can achieve. This is the fifth year USABA has run the program, so they must be good at what they do – teaching people with vision loss how to Alpine and Nordic ski. This year, for those even more ambitious, they’ll incorporate Biathlon into the program using laser guns.
“Volunteer trained guides, provided by VASS, are key to the program’s success, as the guides can accommodate all abilities and all levels”, said Mark Lucas Executive Director of USABA. Novices hit the beginners slope and move to more advanced runs as they gain confidence. Presently, there are about twenty volunteer guides who assist the participants. All participants will stay at the Mountain Top Inn and Resort and the cost of the program is $150. The Gibney Family Foundation is a proud supporter this event.
“Last year we had a four -year-old learn to ski,” said Lucas. “People who are blind and visually impaired have the same desire to participate in sport and recreation as anyone else.
For more information, on the United States Association of Blind Athletes and this event go to www.usaba.org For more information on Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport go to http://www.vermontadaptive.org.
